{"id":1516,"date":"2025-06-27T23:11:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T20:11:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evmal.ru\/?p=1516"},"modified":"2025-07-13T00:05:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T21:05:04","slug":"rabota-na-plenere-kak-vazhnyj-etap-v-formirovanii-budushhix-specialistov-arxitektorov-razmyshleniya-prepodavatelya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evmal.ru\/en\/rabota-na-plenere-kak-vazhnyj-etap-v-formirovanii-budushhix-specialistov-arxitektorov-razmyshleniya-prepodavatelya\/","title":{"rendered":"Working outdoors is an essential step in shaping the skills of aspiring architects. Here are a few thoughts from an instructor on its importance"},"content":{"rendered":"

1.Is plein air really essential in architecture education?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Architecture and its meaning<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

3. Architecture and the perception of space<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

4. The Role of the artist-instructor in the Learning Process<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

5. The significance of St.Petersburg’s suburban parks in shaping future architect’s professional education<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

6. The importance of trees in park landscapes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

7. Light and shadow in landscape<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

8. Choise of artistic materials<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

9. Sketches as an essential component in plein air practice<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

10. Plein air: tradition and modernity<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>1.Is Plein air Painting Really Essential in Architecture Education?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For years, art has been an integral part of the architecture curriculum. Courses like portraiture, landscape, still life, composition, and interior design have long been staples of the educational process. Yet, one might wonder how relevant these traditional art forms remain today. How does watercolor or oil painting, with its roots in classical art academies, connect to designing sleek, modern interiors that rely heavily on technology? And what place do portrait or figure studies hold in the context of contemporary architectural practice?<\/span><\/p>\n

Plein air painting, in many ways, mirrors the work done by fine arts students\u2014differing mostly in the materials and techniques used. But in a time when architecture is rapidly evolving and embracing unconventional methods, can this historical practice still offer value?<\/span>
\nIn a previous article, where I examined summer plein air painting, I delved into some crucial aspects of artistic creativity. This process prompts important reflections for educators, especially about how architecture interacts with the natural world. Engaging with the environment through art can deepen students\u2019 insights and help them develop a richer sensitivity to the spaces and contexts they design within.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>2. Architecture and Its Meaning<\/span><\/h2>\n

Architecture carries a wide range of meanings and qualities, blending both scientific precision and emotional expression. It can be seen as music turned to stone, or as a story told through physical form. At its core, architecture shapes the world around us by creating organized spaces through buildings and structures that often stand as works of art.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond their practical use, architectural works often act as symbols reflecting social and political ideas. They draw from various visual arts, including grand paintings and sculptures. Architecture isn\u2019t just about providing shelter or planning parks, places of worship, or industrial facilities; it\u2019s also a way for people to connect with and interpret their environment, giving it deeper artistic and natural significance.<\/span><\/p>\n

To truly master the manipulation of space and form, one must study and deeply engage with these elements. From my perspective, visual arts are essential in this journey, as they deepen our appreciation of architecture and its role within society.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/a>Architecture and the Perception of Space<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every project in the architecture faculty\u2014whether it\u2019s sketching plaster heads and figures, designing interiors, creating painted compositions, or working outdoors in summer plein air sessions\u2014is aimed at one central purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

I remember my time as a painting student, attending lectures on architectural fundamentals. These classes weren\u2019t just about expanding our artistic knowledge; they were about understanding how to accurately represent buildings and architectural forms. We studied the principles of architectural harmony, which, for us, were as essential as the rules of human proportion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modern materials allow architects to bring to life astonishing structures fueled by boundless creativity. Yet, across history, the most important measure\u2014beyond clarity of design and purpose\u2014has always been human scale. This sense of proportion remains the cornerstone of meaningful architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Years of study and hands-on experience teach us to engage deeply with our surroundings\u2014whether through nature, historic landmarks, or cultural traditions. This process guides us from abstract ideas to tangible, thoughtful forms.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. <\/a>The Role of the Artist-Instructor in the Learning Process<\/span><\/h2>\n

When teaching artistic subjects, especially during summer art sessions, a unique dynamic takes place. It\u2019s not just about the instructor passing knowledge to the student; there\u2019s a two-way exchange. The artist-instructor starts to see architecture and other creative elements from fresh perspectives, uncovering new insights that influence their own work.<\/span><\/p>\n

This process depends greatly on how well the instructor prepares themselves. By staying deeply connected to their personal artistic practice and constantly seeking new inspiration, they bring more depth to their teaching and a richer understanding of art overall. This mutual exchange benefits the students, encouraging them to dive deeper into their creativity, while also sparking new ideas and energy in the instructor\u2019s own artistic path. Ultimately, the artist-instructor plays a crucial role\u2014not only guiding the growth of their students, but also renewing their own creative vision along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/a>The Significance of Saint Petersburg\u2019s Suburban Parks in Shaping Future Architects’ Professional Education<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is a special joy in immersing oneself in the stunning landscapes of suburban parks. I often take every chance to work outdoors and arrange summer plein air sessions. Certain spots invite me back time and again, encouraging me to capture their character through the changing seasons and shifting light.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saint Petersburg\u2019s suburban parks are true cultural gems, deeply woven into the fabric of our heritage. They leave a lasting impression on all who visit, offering a timeless testament to artistic expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take, for example, the Cameron Gallery in Catherine Park at Tsarskoye Selo. Designed by Charles Cameron in the 1780s, it was a favorite retreat of Empress Catherine II, especially on rainy days. Nestled where the park\u2019s natural landscape meets its formal gardens, the gallery plays a vital role in the overall design. Its harmonious fusion of architecture and nature reflects an organic presence, with a facade rich in diverse textures and colors.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the light shifts throughout the day, the gallery reveals new facets\u2014much like Monet\u2019s famed Rouen Cathedral series. Sunlight becomes a creative partner, inviting us to experience the building in fresh ways. On bright days, the contrast of light and shadow highlights the form, the texture of materials, and the building\u2019s very essence. The Pudost stone of the facade, for example, absorbs sunlight and seems to glow with a delicate lightness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u0415\u0432\u0433\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0439<\/a>

\u0426\u0430\u0440\u0441\u043a\u043e\u0435 \u0421\u0435\u043b\u043e.\u0412\u0438\u0434 \u043d\u0430 \u041a\u0430\u043c\u0435\u0440\u043e\u043d\u043e\u0432\u0443 \u0433\u0430\u043b\u0435\u0440\u0435\u044e \u0432 \u0415\u043a\u0430\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0438\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0441\u043a\u043e\u043c \u043f\u0430\u0440\u043a\u0435. \u0425\u0443\u0434\u043e\u0436\u043d\u0438\u043a \u0415\u0432\u0433\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u041c\u0430\u043b\u044b\u0445<\/p><\/div>\n

In gentler light, the structure takes on a flatter, more ethereal quality, blending seamlessly into an airy atmosphere. The graceful shapes and subtle color harmony create a poetic mood within the landscape. As evening falls, the warm glow of the setting sun lends a romantic air, connecting us to a distant past and making every architectural detail feel vivid and alive through our eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u043a\u0430\u043c\u0435\u0440\u043e\u043d\u043e\u0432\u0430<\/a>

\u0426\u0430\u0440\u0441\u043a\u043e\u0435 \u0421\u0435\u043b\u043e. \u0412\u0438\u0434 \u043d\u0430 \u0412\u0435\u0440\u0445\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u043f\u0440\u0443\u0434 \u0432 \u0415\u043a\u0430\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0438\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0441\u043a\u043e\u043c \u043f\u0430\u0440\u043a\u0435. \u0425\u043e\u043b\u0441\u0442, \u043c\u0430\u0441\u043b\u043e. 60\u044580 \u0441\u043c. 2010. \u0425\u0443\u0434\u043e\u0436\u043d\u0438\u043a \u0415\u0432\u0433\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u041c\u0430\u043b\u044b\u0445 Tsarskoye Selo. The view of Upper Pond in the Catherine Park. Oil on canvas. 60×80 cm. 2010. Evgeny Malykh<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/a>6. The Importance of Trees in Park Landscapes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trees play a vital role in shaping the character of a park, especially when it comes to choosing the right species and forms. In the more formal areas, linden trees are often favored because they respond well to pruning, allowing them to be sculpted into a variety of geometric shapes. <\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, oaks bring a different kind of charm with their distinctive branches and trunks, as well as the special texture and look of their leaves. They help create a romantic, almost timeless feel, blending the park\u2019s design with a sense of natural authenticity that reflects how humans interpret and recreate nature. <\/span><\/p>\n

In essence, trees do more than just beautify a park\u2014they help define its character and create a sense of unity between the crafted landscape and the natural world. Thoughtful selection and placement of trees allow landscape designers to shape not only the look of a park but also the mood and experience it offers to visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>7. Light and Shadow in Landscape<\/span><\/h2>\n

Light and shadow play a vital role in how architecture is artistically portrayed, casting their shifts across the open space and onto the trees, which in turn enrich and unify the overall landscape. Light sets the tone within the artwork, and in the later pieces of Claude Monet, we see more than just objects rendered with their physical details; instead, the focus is on the effects of light itself, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between color and illumination. This approach draws the viewer away from solid forms and toward the fleeting qualities of light, capturing a moment\u2019s true essence. The subtle interplay of light and shadow adds depth and complexity to the scene. Monet\u2019s technique encourages us to feel the shifting atmosphere, celebrating the transient beauty of nature, where each brushstroke reveals the delicate balance between light and its environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Choice of Artistic Materials<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

How do we capture the essence of a place in a way that truly connects with the viewer and lets them feel its unique atmosphere? The choice of artistic materials is key to achieving this. Watercolor, for instance, beautifully conveys clear outlines, depth, and even a certain softness. Its transparent washes reveal the texture of the paper beneath, lending the artwork a delicate, airy quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tempera, on the other hand, is perfect for portraying the vibrant effects of sunlight on a bright day. Its thick, opaque nature gives objects a solid, tangible feel, while the colors come alive with a vivid intensity, allowing for a completely different visual experience. Pen and ink work wonderfully to depict sharp, bright sunlight as well, excelling in linear detail and precision. By thoughtfully choosing their mediums, artists can deepen the emotional resonance and visual strength of their pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

9.<\/a> Sketches as an Essential Component of Plein Air Practice<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

How do we capture the essence of a place in a way that truly connects with the viewer and lets them feel its unique atmosphere? The choice of artistic materials is key to achieving this. Watercolor, for instance, beautifully conveys clear outlines, depth, and even a certain softness. Its transparent washes reveal the texture of the paper beneath, lending the artwork a delicate, airy quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tempera, on the other hand, is perfect for portraying the vibrant effects of sunlight on a bright day. Its thick, opaque nature gives objects a solid, tangible feel, while the colors come alive with a vivid intensity, allowing for a completely different visual experience. Pen and ink work wonderfully to depict sharp, bright sunlight as well, excelling in linear detail and precision. By thoughtfully choosing their mediums, artists can deepen the emotional resonance and visual strength of their pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>10. Plein Air: Tradition and Modernity<\/span><\/h2>\n

Artistic practice remains a valuable form of training for both aspiring artists and architects, even as digital technologies become more widespread. While these tools help speed up repetitive tasks, they can never fully replace the human hand\u2014an incredible instrument shaped by nature with a distinct and intricate design. Artistic creativity is about expressing ideas visually, reflecting the deep connection between humans and the natural world.<\/span><\/p>\n

In recent years, the push for eco-friendly and sustainable living has gained momentum, encouraging respect for natural processes and a commitment to reducing environmental harm. This mindset should become a guiding tradition for modern society, just as positive customs have been handed down through generations. In this spirit, when artists work outdoors and later develop their studio pieces from those experiences, the artist-teacher is preparing to pass on valuable knowledge and insights to future generations of students, blending time-honored wisdom with personal understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1.Is plein air really essential in architecture education? 2. Architecture and its meaning 3. Architecture and the perception of space 4. The Role of the artist-instructor in the Learning Process 5. The significance of St.Petersburg’s suburban parks in shaping future architect’s professional education 6. The importance of trees in park landscapes 7. Light and shadow […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1525,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,50,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bez-rubriki","category-sovety-po-pleneru","category-stati"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t