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I have known this view since I was a student at Canterbury School of Architecture over 35 years ago. I was impressed by just how modern it was. I had no knowledge of where Cairness was. When the house was advertised as being in need of a sympathetic owner, 30 years later, my wife and I moved in and began the task of restoration. The motifs consist of two very primitive Doric columns. As an architect, the term "Doric," to me, meant the most simple of the Classical orders of architecture; but now I also associate it with the language of my now-adopted home. "Doric" signifies a vernacular dialect spoken by the common people of Buchan. "Doric Architects" is thus a fitting name for a group of architects practicing in the North East. |
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Firstly, Cairness … |
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This motif of the primitive Doric columns signifies many things. It stems from ancient architecture, possible Solomon's temple. The pillars represent the power of the King and the Priests linked by a lintel signifying the state above. This is the arch of Heaven Nothing like this was done at the time. James Playfair, the architect of Cairness, probably got his inspiration from the work of French architects working in Paris at the time of the French Revolution. I have used this motif in many forms during my career. Here, I am not alone. Robert Stern, who many consider to be America's most talented architect, has used this very motif as a major element in his "William Gates Computing Centre" at Stanford University. An architect is rarely able to build his ideal building. We are dependent upon our clients in order to pay for our ideas to become a reality. An artist may starve in a garret for lack of a patron; but he can still create his masterpiece, given canvas and paint. But the architect's dreams are bought without a client. A traditional way for architects to achieve fame is to win a major competition. To enter these competitions often entails months of work; but the chance to show the world one's skill is a driving force. I try to enter at least one competition a year and illustrate three varying schemes |
