Point Theories

During this learning unit I learned a variety of new themes and major design movements. One of the main themes that stand out to me is the idea of Commodity, Firmness, and Delight. Vitruvius first used these three terms in order to describe what he believed was good architecture. Years later Sir Henry Wotton used these exact same terms, as a means to describe well-built structures. Over the year’s commodity, firmness and delight have held several different meanings for different cultures ant time periods. Architecture concerns not only the buildings but also the people who build as well as interact with them, this is why it is important to focus those three terms when designing a building. As a commodity the building must have some sort of use after all, what’s the point in building a structure that has no purpose? An architect must also make sure that his or her creation is stable enough for someone to interact with. Even though it may not seem as important as the other two, a building also has to have some form of aesthetics so that the person using it can take delight in it. For example

I feel that the New York Public Library fits the theory of commodity, firmness, and delight perfectly. This building serves as a public area for people to read, research, and do other things that they would not be able to do in another type of building. So it does have a function to it making it a commodity. Furthermore the structure of this building has lasted from 1895 until today spanning 94 years after it was first opened. After lasting this long it is evident that the building was built with a firmness that has served people for years. Also I personally am able to find delight in the layout of this building because it is an open space that is ornamented fairly well and represents American tradition and culture. In the book Understanding Architecture, by Leland Roth he stated that “ architecture is arguably the most accurate, the most truly revealing, human cultural artifact”(Roth, pg.12). This is indeed true because architecture itself gives others insight about where people are from as well as cultural influence that ma be evident in a structure. When it comes down to it there are several aspects in architecture, which are important to know about people: their needs, their way of life, and their culture.
In today’s society because of the diverse styles and form, it is important to understand and keep in mind the fact that there will always be a difference in taste, especially between different cultures, but the best way to handle a situation like this is by bringing all ideas to the table and compromising. Furthermore, while people of different cultures may interpret things differently the same basic theory of design is applicable to all people. Sir Henry Wotton’s ideas of commodity, firmness, and delight have a large influence in the field of design. In conclusion during this first section I have learned many aspects in regards to designing and design processing. However culture as well as commodity, firmness, and delight are some of the main points that stood out to me throughout this first section of the class.