Tectonics : Core Form and Art Form

By: Josh West

Tectonics reveal the basic knowledge of the art and science of building construction. All things are built in certain ways and have a unique art of assembling the materials used during the construction phases. Frampton talks a lot about art form and the way it is expressed differently throughout architecture. He describes the tectonics of construction with two key elements: Core Form and Art Form. Frampton wrote, “’the art form “is only a covering and symbolic attribute of the part or building’” (Frampton, 139).  By viewing a building with these two elements, any architect can begin to describe and understand the construction phase. For me these two elements have helped me focus more on all of my projects and helped me understand the tectonics and understandings of buildings. With all of the buildings being built, there is more than what the eye can see. “Core form is mechanically necessary and statically functional structure as art form, on the other hand, is only the characterization by which the mechanical-statically function is made apparent” (Frampton, 139). These forms must always be recognized to always try and distinguish the difference between the constructional form and ornament or appearance. Another phrase which caught my attention was from Semper, “the most significant basic tectonic element was the joint or the knot” (Semper, 145). This to me explains tectonics as a whole and emphasizes the meaning of the knot. The knot, which we have been using for centuries, is a true meaning of tectonics. Like any other knot, we use it to tie two pieces together or to create a loop to hang something or tie something down and to make sure it never comes loose or slips. As we look at in a way of construction, we have to recognize everything that goes into these buildings. We have to tie every piece of the building together and make sure it is structurally sound. So as I progressed through my entire time through architecture school, I am designing buildings at multiple sizes and learning how they are structurally put up and working with their surrounding areas. I will always remember two things: always remember the two elements of core and art form and to always remember to tie the knot.

Frampton, Kenneth. “Botticher, Semper and the Tectonic: Core Form and Art Form.” In What is Architecture?. Edited by Andrew Ballantyne, 138-152. New York:Routledge, 2002.