As I was laying in bed last night, unable to sleep due to the most random thoughts running through my mind and worries with regards to work/university work, I realised that this character is a great representation of, not only the most well known architect of the time Le Corbusier, but architects and students of architecture in general.
I think in his book Evelyn Waugh creates the prefect stereotypical architect in Professor Silenus. I think that these traits are still relevant today. His classic architect traits and how these compare to the current crop of architect and architect wannabes;
- Hatred for humans, their interference in his work Professor Silenus states that the prefect building is a factory, it is not possible for domestic architecture to be beautiful. Occupants of buildings will always want to change and alter pieces of architecture. The problem with a great piece of architecture is, unlike a painting that will never change in appearance, never get bigger, never be repainted in different colours, it will enviably be changed to suit a future generations need.
I have been working on a scheme in the office recently for a mixed use development, all I seem to do for days and days on end was alter our design to suit the various needs of the number of occupiers, looking at the final design now it has completely changed from the initial design. I can definitely relate to Silenus's annoyance with human intervention. - Eccentric behaviour
"He removes a biscuit from his pocket and begins to munch...two hours later he had not moved...his empty jaw champed rhythmically" Definitely a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Within my office it is obvious who the architects are, we have one who looks like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons, the other architects are the ones who have random conversations with the photocopies and are constantly shaking their computer screens. The amount of times I have found myself staring blankly at the computer screen whilst working, lost in my thoughts, is a bit weird looking back now. But I think you can't be an architect without being a bit insane, the amount of pressure and annoying clients is enough to send anyone a bit nutty. - The pain of building regulations and standards
Professor Silenus moans in the piece about the annoyance of having to install a staircase. The amount of times we have had to redraw designs to accommodate fire escape stairs and to allow for disabled access. - Never happy with the final design
"I hate and detest every bit of it" I'm pretty sure very few architects have completed a build and been 100% happy with the final result. The amount of times I have been to site to see completed builds only to find corners have been cut or the contractor has failed to finish off details as we have designed them. Plus all the redraws you have to make during the design process to suit client needs you kind of get sick of the sight of the building come completion. - Insomnia
Professor Silenus doesn't sleep, he just rests and thinks. I don't think I know one student of architecture who gets a good night sleep whilst studying.
Looking at this character it does make one wonder why I'm trying to become one of these architects, oh yeah that's right I'm slightly mad. Silly me...
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