Taboo and Transgression, Architecture and Desire

Through Bernard Tschumi divided the pleasure of architecture into several fragments that are loosely related to each other which are:
- A double pleasure – pleasure of architecture can only be achieved by merging both pleasure of space and pleasure of geometry/order/concept.
- Gardens of pleasure – garden would be a part for pleasure, in a useless manner, as it is built exclusively for delight.
- Pleasure and necessity
- Bondage – a metaphor of order which the more the restriction, the more the pleasure to be achieved.
- Rationality – By treating classical elements as decaying fragment, rationality of building was carried to the extremes of irrationality.
- Eroticism – eroticism is not the excess of pleasure but the pleasure of excess.
- The mask - a metaphor of seduction that the main objective/meaning of architecture differs from the appearance that creates pleasure.
- Excess – Exceeding is a matter of preserving the erotic capacity of architecture
- Architecture of pleasure – Merging of concept and experience of space as well as transgression of rules bring pleasure of architecture.
- Advertisement for architecture – Architecture is about the function of both sensual experience of a real space and appreciation of rational concept. The unveiling part behind these would be the pleasure part of architecture.
- Desire/fragments – desire is some sort like movement between fragments. Movement is like the core/meaning/function of a design while fragment is like the appearance of a design. The architecture is pleased as it fulfills some utilitarian function.

In the past, architecture rarely transgresses its limit in the reality.
It’s still a desire to exceed the limit that has been set in the architecture world.
According to Foucault: “ Transgression is an action which involves the limit, that narrow zone of a line where it displays the flash of its passage, but perhaps also its entire trajectory, even its origin.”
Hence, a limit has its meaning only when it can be transgressed.
Pushing architecture towards its limit can make the architecture pleasing.
We experience a building through our senses, vision, hearing, smell, tactile and taste.
The most beautiful buildings also reflect our physical bodies and celebrate our senses.
A building is sensuous because it is pleasing to our senses.

In my opinion, I think the property of space decides to encourage human sexual desire.
When human is in a space where has excellent atmosphere and comfortable furniture such as nice sofa with designated coffee table that would definitely make us think that it is a space for relaxing.
In the other situation, to encourage human sexual desire, mostly a space for sexual activity should be a private space, comfortable, secured and less opening and etc.
In the contrary, a space with big opening, more opened to public, poor condition with bad smell and view will definitely prohibit human sexual desire.

Architects seek to express an aura of sensuality when designing.
Nevertheless, there will always be taboo and transgression while designing, such as the balance of form together with function as form will definitely be affected by the function.

For example, bedroom which is a space for resting requires a peaceful feeling. The taboo for designing bedroom is less opening space. However, the desire for having nice atmosphere requires bigger opening.

As a conclusion, I think the balance in considering the taboo and the wish for transgression should be maintained in order to have a good design.

Field trip : Asthetics, Ruins & Space (Kellie's Castle)

Went through the field trip and all the information I had, I finally realize that this mansion was built with the same reason as Taj Mahal, Agra, India : LOVE
Kellies Castle is a mansion with the symbol of love, like the Taj Mahal. And in the architecture, there is definitely some moghul influence visible.
Kellie's Castle was built by a Scottish planter called William Kellie Smith. So he built the castle for his wife because he loved his wife so much.

Smith went for a short trip to Portugal in 1926. He died there of pneumonia. His wife was still in Malaya, heartbroken. She decided to pack and return to Scotland. She sold Kellie's Castle to a British company called Harrisons and Crossfield.

Kellie's Castle was never to be finished. It became a ruine with many legends. Legend of the ghost of Smith wandering through the ruins. Other legends were off secret underground tunnels. But apart of the two known tunnels, none were ever found.

The restoration of Kellie's castle
At arrival at Kellie's Castle you can "meet" William Kellie Smith and his two children. Their sculptures are standing on the exterior wall. The one of his beloved wife fell off some years back.

The tunnels have been sealed off for safety reasons. The rumour is that Smith's car is parked in one of the tunnels. True or not, I can't tell.

The beauty of the mansion :

I think through this first photograph, I feel that this mansion is a great mansion which is architecturally moghul style influeced. Using of bricks finishes to represented the strength of the mansion itself.



As if we look carefully, this carved sculpture is held in both places which Mr.Smith had ever planned as a living room and guest room. This structure is precisely at below of beams.
I think this sculpture would be nicer if the mansion is completely constructed but unfortunately it wasn't.




This is a mysterious corridor which Mr.Smith's soul will be appeared along this corridor.
Through this picture, it is actually to show the interesting contrast of this mansion, this area is appropriately held in the middle of the building.




This is the place where Mr.Smith store his wine called wine tunnel. I think this tunnel is interesting as this tunnel took places at underground of this building and appropriately held below the drink area.




As if we look properly, this tree has a figure of a bear. It is an amazing tree that creates the message of nature living to the human being and this tree is more popular day through days.