Responding to "The Problem of Architecture"

The main idea proposed in Scruton's "The Problem of Architecture" seems to be that the appreciation and aesthetics of architecture are wholly unlike those of any other art form.  While representational art forms, e.g. painting and sculpture, and sensory art forms, e.g. music, can be appreciated entirely for their "form" as an end in itself, Scruton contends that architecture cannot.

I agree with the notion that architecture requires "particular attitudes," as stated on page five, to create and enjoy it.  One needs only to look at the professional minds in the Louisiana Tech SoA to see that the architect or interior designer is a special kind of individual.  I've heard it said that architects and interior designers tend to be "eccentric."  Also, according to Mr. Caldwell during my first year in the SoA, it's pretty much prerequisite to own quirky glasses to be an architect.  It seems to me that my professors and my peers do think differently from other average people.  We see colors, geometry, organization and craft in ways that no one else seems to get.

I also agree that architecture cannot really stand on its own as strictly "pretty," but that the form MUST follow an inherent functionality to be appreciated.  The context and purpose of a building must be clearly understood before that building can then be considered beautiful architecture.  I believe it requires a certain finesse to incorporate both utility and aesthetics in a building, without sacrificing either aspect in favor of the other.  To me, the function of a building is its soul, and form without the function is merely decoration for the sake of decoration.  If someone points to a part of your design and asks you "Why?" and there is no reason beyond "it looks good," then it has failed as architecture.

My favorite quote from the passage is: "Expression is part of the realization of inner life, the making intelligible what is otherwise ineffable and confused."  Genius is worthless if it cannot be transmitted to others. Without the ability to express yourself, your ideas and intentions stay locked up inside your head.  This quote inspires me to go big this year and truly express the ideas I have rather than restrain myself for fear of rejection or criticism.