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Isaac Fresia – Nova Scotia Talent Trust Award Winner

Studying architecture
Studying architecture – Isaac Fresia Photos by Haley Macphee

Architect Manifesto

Isaac Fresia is currently studying architecture at Dalhousie University, and was one of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust award winners. He is also a NSCAD Alumni. Here he shares a few thoughts about his journey so far:

“As someone who has regularly poured myself into my education, receiving the kind of recognition and affirmation for my efforts that the NSTT has provided is incredibly motivating. Having come from a background of Fine Art at NSCAD University, and now studying Architecture at Dalhousie, the common thread between both programs has been the ability to convey ideas in a clear and compelling manner. During my time at NSCAD, I enriched my study of sculpture with product design, jewelry, woodworking and metalworking courses. This foundation of spatial and material exploration has served me well as I undertake my Master of Architecture. As I move through the program, my focus has turned to communication and collaboration. We work not in isolation but together as advocates, social workers, and cultural intermediaries. We are privileged in our professions to shape our environments and foster better communities. The NSTT has been a keystone in our east coast community throughout my academic career, and I would not be where I am today without their help. ”

Isaac Fresia

Studying architecture

Here is Isaac’s ‘Architect Manifesto’ from Behance.

Studying architecture
Isaac Fresia BFA Currently studying architecture at Dalhousie University

 

Ludwig Wittgenstein, the father of language philosophy, postulated that language is simply a placeholder to stimulate pictures in the mind of the receiver. The problem is that on the whole it is difficult to get the words that we say to elicit the correct picture we wish to convey. This becomes even more difficult when attempting to define larger and more abstract concepts. As an example, Wittgenstein addressed the futility of producing a set definition for a concept like Art. However, he noted that Art could be defined from a particular perspective: dance, literature, sculpture, science, culinary, and so on – all of these perspectives providing shape to Art as a whole.
If we take these notions of language and communication and apply them to the process of design, two subsequent things become apparent: applying many and diverse perspectives to a design problem will result in a more considered and holistic solution, however this can only occur if the participants are capable of adequately communicating their perspective on the matter to their peers.
As such, I propose that the most important tool that an individual can possess, regardless of discipline, is that of communication. Be it through speech, gesture, drawing, or any other relevant means, the ability to successfully convey the pictures in our minds into the minds of others is the greatest feat of which we are capable.
For the purpose of this manifesto, I have taken my reasoning and simplified it to a formal exercise. The structure that I have created houses an abstracted geometric form at its centre. The slats spanning radially along the perimeter of this structure allow in diffused light, but hide the central object from view, save for four axially aligned spyholes. Four participants sit around the structure, each looking into their own spyhole. From their relative perspectives, they must then communicate by whatever means they see fit to come to a consolidated communal understanding of the three-dimensional form in the centre. Through this collaborative analysis they will have combined their respective perspectives into a fully realized form understood by all.
It only exists from every perspective.

 

Studying architecture Block Sulpture
Isaac Fresia BFA
Studying architecture
Isaac Fresia BFA
Studying architecture
Isaac Fresia