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1. Venturi states of his preference towards the complexity and contradictory in architecture. This love is based
on the richness and ambiguity of modern experience. His goal is to achive vitality as well as validity. The
core in this article, discusses about Venturi’s views on modern architecture which puritanical moral
language have intimidated architects and ripped buildings of their layers of meaning and combinations of
focus.
The oversimplification of buildings made by orthodox modern architects, has made modern buildings
too one dimensional, focusing on newness of modern functions rather than including complications. The
oversimplification of buildings based on rationalizations from modern architects such as Mies can der Rohe
greatly contributed to the negligence of complications from buildings. This negligence come in the form of
sacrificing experience from the users. Problems that are ignored by these modern architects because they
willing to believe “Less is more” while in actuality oversimplification would lead to “Less is Bore”(pg17).
The remedy to this would be introducing back complexity and contradictory back in architecture. The
goal of architecture should stay true to its core – solving problems with complex art. Oversimplification
should not be treated as a means of end. Complexity and contradictory would layer out the meanings of
the building that will enhance user experience at different aspects. This directly forms a contrast with
simplicity and complexity. Ambiguity for users to define themselves would lead to more spatial interactions
and interpretations. The “both-and” concept shows how in architecture, varying levels of meaning breeds
ambiguity and tension.
To sum up, modern architecture has been open to oversimplification of modern architects and are
now losing the layers of meaning that should be the core of the building. The building should be a final
product that solves user problems that is expressed by complex art. Venturi is trying to ignite the old flame
that is true to what he believes what architecture should be - more than focusing on single layer meanings
and providing multiple layers of meaning for users to interpret and experience. The important factors that
were neglected should be brought back, with these concept, architecture would be more than buildings, it
would and should be always people oriented.