Little details can make a project. I think that this simple fact is true for both designers and the general public who may not be familiar with principles of design. That is to say, I think people have an inherent appreciation for some of the fleeting moments in life; nostalgia is a powerful force. In my opinion, little details can create these tiny moments of joy.
Water plants at Parque Bicentenario
Many projects -landscape and architecture-we have visited have details that hold up under scrutiny. Starting with parque bicentenario, I was especially struck by a view in the lake. Large, dark stone lined the bottom of the lake and from it emerged a light, thin plant. It may be a variety of allium, but I can’t find the species. Contrast can be a detail in and of itself and I think that it is working for parque bicentario to both provide a striking appearance but also create a unique experience for people using the park.
Water runnel at plaza outside La Chascona
Outside Pablo Neruda’s Santiago home I was struck by a different type of detail. This was less an aesthetic quality of design but a more functional one as well. Instead of simply having a reflecting pool, the water in the plaza outside the house is in motion; down from the reflecting pool and out between the stones that make up the seating of the plaza. This both adds beauty to a simple space but also cools down the air and stones- an important thing for an area with strong sun and limited shade.
Gutter at San Joaquin chapel
While details can be contrasting, they may also blend into the overall style of a project. The gutters at the San Joaquin campus do just that. Looking at them one might miss the fact they are even gutters. Their form and material makeup fits with the building, allowing them to blend in. Discovering what they are is exciting though, and proves that even everyday things deserve to be examined in detail.
I have many more details I could talk about, but I hope these select few begin to show what can be done with detail and the different ways it can be used.
Colin,
I also found the immense amount of detail in the architecture and landscape in Chile interesting, especially the details that serve a functional and aesthetic purpose. Houses and buildings in the United States typically have gutters lining the roof. Here in Chile I noticed several houses in Valparaíso that instead had channels made from concrete that funnel the water down into the sewers. I think that these gutters were much more thoughtfully constructed, while still successfully functioning as a gutter should. After visiting the Neruda house in Santiago, Nick Obrien and I talked about the water channels that ran through the small amphitheatre. We both agreed that they created a unique water feature that doubled as a seating area that is cooled by the water like you mentioned. I really enjoyed discovering small details like this in the Chilean architecture.
Hi Colin,
When I visited La Chascona I also was enamored by the big steps in front of the entrance. The way the seats all were caving into an arc around the well where all the water falls from is an excellent idea. It moves you from the entrance with the water coming down the wall, down the stepped seats, and to the well in which all the drains lead to. This is an excellent way to move individuals down into a space. In this case the well lead down to another street which I may not have ventured to without the aid of the water feature.
More than just guiding people into a space, the water also provides evaporative cooling. This natural phenomenon combined with the various trees at the top of the steps make a magnificent public space which I felt was necessary in front of a landmark such as La Chascona.