Hello Reader,

Let's experiment.

Go grab a plate from your cabinet. Now, get a cup. Place them next to each other.

Congratulations! You've just juxtaposed!

Formally, juxtaposition describes the placing of two objects in close proximity.

In art, it's about combining elements that may not naturally occur together to create a visual impact.

Look at your plate/glass juxtaposition again.

Notice that one is flat, while the other is tall. They may also be made of different materials or colors.

Juxtaposition of Materials

​The Louvre in Paris, France, was originally designed as a fortress and later used as a royal art gallery. Its 19th-century stone façade is bold and stoic.

But, something seems out of place.

In the center of the courtyard stands a monumental glass pyramid built in 1989.

Because the pyramid's materials are juxtaposed against the stone museum, the structures each demand visual attention while working together.

Similarly, Geode, by Emerymclure Architecture, a winner of the 2021 American Residential Design Awards, creates a dramatic contrast in form, space, and organization between the existing 1950s ranch house and the new primary bedroom addition.

Juxtaposition of Shape

Juxtaposed elements often stand out starkly, but not always. The Taj Mahal, a 17th-century Indian mausoleum, offers a softer juxtaposition.

Nothing stands out as strongly as the Louvre pyramid, but it is still a visually dynamic structure. The architect's use of juxtaposed shapes contributes to that effect.

The frame of this building is essentially a collection of rectilinear shapes. However, these contrast with the smooth, curved arches inside each rectangular section, adding a dramatic element to the structure.

Virginia Elegance, the 2023 ARDA award-winning design by Phil Kean Design Group, is an outstanding example of this in residential architecture.

This project masterfully employs geometric forms, featuring three interconnected yet distinct structures dramatically divided by striking glass elements.

Juxtaposition of Use

Old and new buildings have a way of working together to meet changing needs. Historical structures, originally built for one purpose, often get a second life through adaptive reuse.

It’s a great way to show commitment to sustainable urban development—repurposing instead of tearing down.

This approach highlights how we can evolve as a society while still holding on to our roots.

For example, in the 2024 ARDA-winning Modern Urban Loft Concept by architect Gaver Nichols, a former mill is converted into a mixed-use development that combines multi-family and a single office space.

In a world where change is the only constant, architectural juxtaposition stands as a sentimental reminder of our society’s journey through time.

As we navigate the urban landscapes shaped by the fusion of old and new, let us embrace the richness of our architectural tapestry.

It is a celebration of where we have been, where we are, and the limitless possibilities of where we are headed.

That's not all!

Juxtaposition is greater than the use, shape, and materials.

To learn more (and earn half of a CE unit), visit our new Creating Where People Live classroom at Study.com.

Sign in using a Google account or email and set up your Study.com account (it's free to be a student in our classroom).

You might be asked for a "Classroom Code." Use: purple-fly-1389.

You don't have to be a member to experience the lesson. If you've visited our Creating Where People Live classroom before, you may have already received a notification of the assignment.

Once you enter, you'll be taken to the full lesson. The five-question quiz should take less than ten minutes.

If you have issues registering for free, try these instructions: https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/kerFhm4P29VcAb6qBoq1nYv1​

Attention CPBDs!

When you complete the lesson and quiz by the due date (January 17, 2025), the A-Team will upload the "Grade Book" to the MyCEApp, awarding you 0.5 P3 credit.

Feedback, please!

Reply to this email and let us know about your experience.

The A-Team is experimenting with Study.com as an educational delivery system, and your feedback will help determine if we should invest time into the project.

Happy New Year!
The A-Team