In readings 10 and 11 Banham and McCleary discuss the meaning, purpose and use of new technology. New Technology - we have all heard so much about it. But what is it that it really represents? What is the use of it? What are the benefits of it? And most important, what is its relationship to Architecture?.
Well, technology was and is used to make things easier to the human nature and also as a representation of beauty. But that is not all. As Banham says, not only does technology solve myriad environmental problems but it should also enhance human comfort. The solution though should be judged in the context of economics, cultural appropriation, ecological processes and physical beauty. .
Technology and Architecture go together. There is no Architecture without Technology. It is used to design, build and create the comfort desired in a specific environment. In the last years we've heard a lot about Hi-Tech. But what exactly is Hi-Tech? Is it a higher technology than the one used to design and build magnificent structures such as the Pantheon or the Colosseum? Of course it is higher in equipment. It's easier on people that design and build. It saves them energy and time. But those structures have survived centuries and are still standing today. So after all technology itself hasn't changed, its mechanical tools and equipment have. And as Banham says, New Technology is still the same as the old one, just doesn't have the breath of intelligence that had created the newer technology that had delivered the new forms. .
McCleary on the other hand discusses technology on architectural basis, how it can generate new perceptions of architectural space and time. He explores the relationship between architecture and new technology. .
As I said earlier, technology is present in every architectural structure. Its significance has returned to the discourse on the purpose and meaning of architecture.
