Architects contribute significantly in defining the beauty of the environment. In the lenses of Piet Blom - a Dutch architect - the role of architect goes beyond creating a place for living. This role extends to promoting or preserving the beauty of the environment, creating comfort in cold weather, as well as reconciling elements of culture with architectural designs around us. The sensitivity of the society to beauty tends to influence much of the architect’s work. A case in question is the development of unique buildings that do not only address the societal challenges, but also show the creativity of the architect. The legacy of the Dutch architect, Piet Blom is an inspiration to many aspiring architect. In Rotterdam city, stands an architectural complex that is difficult to ignore. Piet Blom is the architect of the Cube House that is iconic in the city of Rotterdam.
The architectural designs of Blom are critical in writing the history of architecture in the postmodern world. This project illustrates extreme architectural imbecility coupled with contempt for the future users of these architectures. I believe this city stand as a testament to the present generation and the generation that would follow. Personally, the Cube House that Blom designed in the Rotterdam city inspires me. Today, architects that visit the city of Rotterdam do not only see Blom as an inspirational figure, but a person who shaped the beauty of the city.
Blom is an iconic figure in my architectural history because he is one of the successful architects, who actualize the idea of spatial systems architecture, where architects treat the structures of buildings as a system of living cells. The Cube House for instance show demonstrates a structural arrangement of buildings in terms of cells. Thus, Blom did not just offer a remedy to the housing needs of the high-density urban population but introduced a new idea in architecture. Moreover, concerns such as aesthetic appeal presided over the designs of Blom. The architecture of Old Port seems to illustrate the unique ability of the Blom in addressing the concerns of the society and at the same time promoting uniqueness (Hertberger 68).
Secondly, Blom’s project is important because it serves as a reference in postmodern architecture. A number of architects in the postmodern world rely on Blom’s idea of spatial system architecture develop great structures. While architect consider a number of factors when designing structures, the concept of legacy often feature in their minds. Likewise, in my career as an architect, Blom’s iconic Cube House project has played an instrumental role in influencing my approach of handling projects. Much of my study on his Blom’s work has enabled me to rise in the academic cycles as well as gain respect from the society. Normally, the accolades that the society gives to any work including architecture are genuine.
Blom is important in history of architecture because his Cube House stands one of the amazing structures in the world. The ideas of this architect are beyond what one would preserve in book. The world considers his architecture as amazing and peculiar. Bent on this ground, I see him as a person that reconciled nature with art to bring a great change in the architectural world. Although every architect has a dream, Blom’s dream and contribution in the architectural industry is marvelous. He anticipated changing the way architect thought and displayed their ideas through structures. His work poses challenges to the new generational architect to take the courage of implementing their dreams (Hertberger 66). To withstand criticism, one requires courage and inspiration. In a similar manner, I have withstood criticism after borrowing the ideas and the philosophy of Blom. My belief is that magnificent work of Blom was unremitting effort that ignored the commonplace view.
The cube house tends to elicit varied impression about architecture. For instance, I have been wondering how one would feel when he is living in a cube house with its slanting shape. Arguably, it is an experience of its own kind because the society like living in the normal houses. I think living or working in some of these spectacular buildings affect the societal views of what role the architects play in their lives. If the architect were not able to think, conceptualize, and actualize a given thought, the spectacular building would not exist. It must be thinking beyond what the society sees using the ordinary eye. Elsewhere, Blom’s critics agree that he was sensitive to social phenomena and dedicated to building for masses. Interestingly, he kept a low profile, ran a modest office where he was only interested in his work.
In conclusion, the magnificent architecture of Blom is inspiration and a testimony that determination is instrumental aspect in actualizing a given dream. While he constructed for masses, he connected nature with art. The idea of Cube House is a manifestation that spatial system architecture was realizable. He did not only find a remedy to the housing needs in the society, but also added beauty to the environment. Architects regard work as inspirational because he beat all odds to create unique in the world. As I aspire to become a celebrated architect, his work acts as the foundation of my dream. I believe I would create architecture that would attract reviews as his work has been. The legacy he left stands among other architectural designs and acts as a proof that every dream can be true.
Work Cited
Colquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002, pp222-234 print.
Hertberger, Herman. Lessons for Students in Architecture. Rotterdam: 010 Publishers, 2005, pp62-76 print.
