249. Ornament

Decorations and ornaments will only work in a building if they are properly made and have a function. They are not just an optional addition - the building needs them just as doors and windows. Search around the building and find edges and transitions which need emphasis. Corners or places materials meet, door frames, windows, main entrances, a gate - all these are natural places that call out for ornament. Make the ornaments work as seams along the boundaries and edges so that they knit the two sides together to make one. (Alexander 1977)

Door Detail - Scarpa
Museo Di Castelvecchio

Carlo Scarpa

If people question the purpose of ornamental features in today's architecture then Scarpa's work merits careful study, for he has brought functional detail back into architecture. His most famous works below demonstrate his attention and appreciation of craft which reveal the smallest of details.

Tomba Brion

​In the Tomba Brion, Scarpa uses ornament to translate ideas of growth and decay and invite the user to meditation. For example, thin metal elements embedded in the concrete walls are used to direct the user's gaze.

​museo di castelvecchio

Scarpa's 1964 renovations uses detail to carefully balance new and old, revealing the history of the original building where appropriate. For example, the new is held apart from the old by reveal joints that function as miniature 'moats'.

This respectful approach to heritage is now a common method of conservation as seen in David Chipperfield's Neues Museum. 

querini stampalia

The Querini Stampalia also shows a careful wedding of new and old with rich detail and water as its main theme.