Photography and Architectural Photography
Many of us believe that architecture is solely concerned with structures and that all buildings have a roof over four walls. However, architecture is a bit more than that. It is much more than that because architecture was originally made up of works of art and culture that architects wove together throughout time. They are historical figures that give us a glimpse into the past and teach us more about it. How these icons are depicted has changed, along with how the term architecture has altered over time. Architectural photography originally served to document buildings but has since developed into a diverse art form.
The invention of the camera marked the beginning of photography. An Arab scientist created the first camera, the Camera Obscura, in 1021 AD. As time passed, photographs started documenting both living and nonliving aspects of our surroundings. In line with the development of photography, terminology like “elevation” and “perspective” was developed to define the various styles of architectural photography. The elevation provided a view of the building’s facade; the perspective views recorded by the camera created three-dimensional photos of the structures.
Evolution Of Architectural Photography
Architectural photography evolved in many ways and for multiple reasons. A building used only to need to be photographed for studies or published in books, magazines, or other print media for the general public to view and appreciate its presence. It became a place to remember buildings that might have been closed briefly. When this aim was more or less achieved later, people began to take architectural photography as a hobby or a passion, and positions in the field even emerged.
Not only did cameras become more advanced with the advancement of photography, but several pieces of equipment also entered the market. Several software programs then became available, allowing for editing images of both past and evolving architectural structures.
However, in today’s society, social media and mobile devices dominate. Everyone now practices photography extensively. In this era, where everyone has a platform to share their passions and hobbies, these platforms are used for educational and entertainment purposes, for the promotion of everyone’s work and as a source of inspiration. Modern building styles are available along with going with the trends.
Its Cultural Significance
The documentation and preservation of architectural works are greatly aided by architectural photography. Structures that can deteriorate, change, or even be demolished over time. Architectural photography promotes tourism and cross-cultural interaction. Images of famous buildings and sites are extensively disseminated through different print and social media platforms; one of the most famous sites and an example of this is the Notre Dame Cathedral.
A structure is represented graphically in architectural photography so everyone can see it. These photographs can influence public perception and enjoyment of architectural movements and styles. Similar to how architectural photography represents a society’s cultural identity and heritage, Inspiring people to seek careers in architecture, preservation, or urban planning, they act as a source of inspiration. It can arouse feelings, tell stories, and show how people interact with architectural settings.
Iconic Examples that Gave Architecture a Fresh Perspective
Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, 1932
Photographer- Charles C. Ebbets
Architect- Raymond Hood
The famous one of the most controversial photos, “Lunch atop a Skyscraper”, was taken in 1932 while the Rockefeller Centre was being built in New York City. 11 construction workers are pictured eating lunch while perched on a steel beam above the city. The workmen appear unconcerned by the precarious height as they are carelessly positioned on the beam with their legs hanging over the side.
Impact on Architecture- The image documents an extraordinary moment in time and represents the bravery, teamwork, and dedication of the workers who constructed the era’s great skyscrapers. It provided a fresh perspective on structures, including how they relate to those who labor hard to develop them in addition to society.
Case Study House no. 22, 1960
Photographer- Julius Shulman
Architect- Pierre Koenig
The renowned architectural photographer Julius Shulman, who documented nearly a century of development and growth in Southern California but is best known for capturing the Modern, can be partly part of the Stahl House’s enduring fame. The Stahl House at dusk is depicted in Shulman’s most famous image in which two women lazily lay in the luminous living room as it hovers over the glittering city below.
Its Impact on Architecture- The image vividly illustrates how the house blurred boundaries to blend into the surroundings. It displayed a stunning steel frame building with a substantial glass span and an open, transparent structure. Raised the bar for real estate marketing, demonstrated the potential of modern design, and went beyond typical American houses with fences.
Blast Furnaces, 1969-1995
Photographer- Hilla and Bernd Becher
The German photographers Hilla and Bernd Becher amassed an extensive archive of photographs, including industrial structures like coal bunkers, petrol tanks, and cooling towers. To highlight the minor parallels and variances in the designs of the buildings, they had a different approach to photographing these constructions. Each building was taken from a consistent angle and under identical lighting conditions.
Its Impact on Architecture- These photographs demonstrated that industrial design might be an art form in and of itself by concentrating its cameras on these previously unnoticed structures. They can’t be looked upon and neglected.
Morning Cleaning, 1999
Photographer- Jeff Wall
Architect- Mies Van Der Rohe
The stunning image of Mies van der Rohe’s famed Barcelona Pavilion flips a familiar, perfect setting on its head with just one addition: a cleaner diligently maintaining this architectural icon’s spotless appearance while at work with a mop and bucket. The image contrasts the magnificent with the ordinary by comparing Mies’ structure’s neat appearance with the modest items required to preserve its purported perfection.
Its Impact on Architecture- Through this image, the photographer praised minimalism as art and offered viewers a fresh perspective on a piece of traditional yet modern architecture. For many who had a romanticized vision of modern architecture, it served as a wake-up call.
Torre David, 2011
Photographer- Iwan Baan
Architect- Enrique Gomez
The picture shows Torre David, an unfinished skyscraper in Caracas, Venezuela, which was taken over by many occupants when the building was stopped due to financial constraints. The building was famously called a vertical slum.
Its Impact on Architecture- The photographs of Torre David by Baan demonstrated the importance of capturing both the unintentional and shoddy forms of architecture as well as the immaculate ones we are used to seeing. They did so in a manner that has rarely been seen before, telling a tale about a structure and its occupants. He basically showed the aesthetic in imperfection.
References:
- Keskeys, A.P. (2022) 10 photographs that Changed Architecture – Architizer Journal, Journal. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/photographs-that-changed-architecture/ (Accessed: 25 June 2023).
- Los Angeles Conservancy (no date) Stahl House (Case Study House #22) | Los Angeles Conservancy. Available at: https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/stahl-house-case-study-house-22#:~:text=Immortalized%20by%20photographer%20Julius%20Shulman,living%20in%20postwar%20Los%20Angeles. (Accessed: 25 June 2023).
- Luntz, H. (2020) Julius Shulman’s case study no. 22, Holden Luntz Gallery. Available at: https://www.holdenluntz.com/magazine/photo-spotlight/julius-shulman-case-study-no-22/ (Accessed: 25 June 2023).
- Nasir, O. et al. (no date) Architecture, The Design Gesture. Available at: https://thedesigngesture.com/architecture/ (Accessed: 25 June 2023).
