Breitschmid embraces architectural theory
Professor Markus Breitschmid in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design was one of four Virginia Tech researchers recently honored with a Jacob A. Lutz III Award for Eminent Scholars. Breitschmid's research is in the field of architectural theory. He has authored eight books and his work has been exhibited and presented at international galleries, including a forthcoming presentation at the Museo de Arte de Lima in Lima.
Yeah, this building is an extension of my research on non referential architecture. So non referential doesn't mean that architects don't work with references anymore, but it accepts the fact that these references don't mean anything anymore to most people. The shape of this building ciliates between something that every child could do, three building blocks, a cube, a pyramid, and another cube. And in the same time, it is something that nobody knows what it is. And between that sort of tension, that sliver of space, it evokes curiosity in people. I think major accomplishments as a researcher are my books. My own favorite is the very first book that deals with the aesthetic theories of the German philosopher Frederick Nige. For the larger population, I think, my book, non referential architecture. This is the most sold book. So my teaching responsibility line in the field of history and theory of architecture, but also on the side of designing buildings. I never treat young students like young students. I see them as architects. Yes, they just started, but we talk about buildings in the full complexity, and we take it step by step to elevate and the growth of individual students. When I can bring new ideas or contemporary ideas into the classroom to deal with concepts of architecture with the students, I think that would be my favorite aspect of it. M