Course Proposal: Wholistic Architecture

Kurt von Meier, Ph.D.

Present an approach to architecture in terms of its intrinsic qualities, as they correspond to precise functions of the human psyche. Analysis of canonical ex­amples from the history of architecture parallels a fresh consideration of unorthodox designs and structures. Archi­tectural subjects may also be visionary, fantastic, theo­retical and literary. An attempt is made to transcend the straitjacket limitations of conventional lineal, ethnocentric biases, towards developing a new canon more clearly illus­trating essential qualities of architecture and design. Thus, examples are frequently drawn from the work of native and vernacular builders, the "architecture without architects."

Students enrolling in this course will be directed toward practical work in compiling visual and documentary material.

Sample items from the Bibliography:

Giedion, Eternal Present
Ichazo, The Human Process
Oldenburg, Notes in Hand
Rudofsky, Architecture Without Architects; The Prodigious Builders
von Meier, Visionary Architecture
Vostell, Fantastic Architecture

ARCTEX Relational Database Project

The late 1970s were a particularly creative period for Kurt, both in terms of personal creativity and professional academics. In this project proposal, Kurt describes what we now refer to as a Wiki, a hyperlinked relational database. In this case, his plan to was construct a database focused on architecture, but also linked to various courses he planned to teach at Sacramento State University in upcoming semesters.
He writes, “The unique characteristic of the ARCTEX project is an emphasis upon generic architectural concepts as a way of mapping architecture to other models of whole systems...A central and recurrent idea in the history of art and architecture is that the work as a material manifestation may be read as a map or model of a whole system.” In addition, “A planned example to be worked in detail is based upon the symmetry set based on the number nine…”

Architecture: Paradigm and Outline

Kurt had visions of writing a book about architecture, "A book designed as a text for teaching the understanding of architecture, intended for a wide general readership and for use at the university level for instruction in Arts and Humanities courses." As was true for many, though by all means not all, of his grander visions, he began but did not finish; his mind was often too active to settle down for long into one project. Here, however, is the way he began on this particular effort.

Weaving: Abiding in the Shadows

In this short essay written in the early nineteen-eighties, Kurt returns to several of his favorite topics: weaving, architecture and mythology. "On the islands of the Indonesian archipelago the status of weaving within a scale of culturally valued activities is most elevated. Wherever the most ancient forms of weaving--warp ikat techniques--have survived, the art and craft of spinning, dyeing and weaving are accorded paramount respect among all of the visual arts. Weaving is regarded as the principal art form, comparable to calligraphy in Islamic culture, painting in 19th century Europe, TV today.”

von Meier States Defects in New Elam Building

During 1962 and 1963, Kurt was on the faculty of Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand, as a Lecturer in History and Theory of Fine Arts. In that capacity, and in keeping with his uncompromising principles about truth and education, he wrote a scathing critique of the new Elam Fine Arts building. By all accounts it was not well-received by the powers-that-be. After 1963, he left New Zealand and returned to Princeton University to teach for one year. His critique is lengthy, comprehensive and in great detail.

Visionary Architecture

Beginning in 1962, Kurt spent two years teaching art history at The Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. He wrote the introduction to an exhibition entitled "Visionary Architecture" held at the Auckland city Art Gallery in October, an exhibition which had originated at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. It's a predictably lively and informative short essay.

Freeways and the Experience of Architecture

In 1966 Kurt contacted the California Division of Highways about writing an article about freeways as a form of art and architecture for its publication California Highways and Public Works. Correspondence went back and forth between Kurt and Information Officer Raymond F. Law, but it does not appear the article was ever published. Nonetheless, it is an extension of ideas Kurt had been exploring in other essays about the aesthetic experience of freeways, which combine structure and passage. It's an interesting read, particularly in light of the freeway development of the past 50 years.

Surrealism, Los Angeles, and Twentieth Century Architecture

The article published in Artforum magazine in 1966 displays the academic strength and scholarship of Professor von Meier as he embarked upon teaching at UCLA. Literally surging with creativity, Kurt quickly assumed a leading role in the world of art criticism, writing for the leading publications in that field. His writing is polished and penetrating; his file containing his original drafts and notes make it clear this article was a major undertaking. It has been updated with links to online resources, and photos and images relating to the text have been added.

From the Void to Architecture

In this previously unpublished essay, Professor von Meier takes us on a journey from the void to the origins of architecture, and its roots in the realization of Unity. In his usual style, he takes a few detours: The Heart Sutra, the history of the Great Seal of the United States, Eggplant Parmigiana, and modes of thought. Keep in mind this was written well before the advent of Wikipedia, and reveals Kurt's ability to pull information from disparate sources.

Fire, Architecture, Astronomy, Language, Time and Unity

In this wide-ranging essay, Professor Kurt von Meier, Ph.D is on full display, brilliantly connecting dots, a polymath drawing upon the full range of his ability to weave a multicolored cloth from many diverse threads. Beginning with the fire at the Diamond Sufi Ranch which irreparably damaged the main house, Kurt moves through the disciplines of architecture, language, mathematics, astronomy, cultural anthropology and mystical traditions. There is no evidence this essay was ever published, and perhaps Kurt considered it a draft. You will have to read it more than once; it's that densely packed. All that notwithstanding, it has most likely not seen the light-of-day since he completed it in July of 1979, but is now available for your enlightenment.