2023-2024 FALL SEMESTER YILDIZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY MIM1051 BUILDING THEORY AND DESIGN 1 1ST MIDTERM

THE GETTY CENTER

The Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California, is a campus of the Getty Museum and other
programs of the Getty Trust. J.Paul Getty Museum, Central Garden, Getty Research Institute,
Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, and J.Paul Getty Trust are parts of The Getty
Center.

CONCEPT OF THE GETTY CENTER

The Getty Center, designed by architect Richard Meier, is characterized by modernist principles. The
architecture emphasizes clean lines, geometric shapes, and extensive use of natural light. It is a reflection of
the Richard Meier & Partners design philosophy, which inherently considers sustainable elements such as
natural light, circulation and energy. Complex features interconnected buildings with travertine-clad
exteriors, creating a visually striking and cohesive environment.Meier integrated gardens, open spaces, and
carefully planned the visitor experience and connect art with nature. The Getty Center's architectural
conception prioritizes a harmonious relationship between the structures, the art they house, and the
surrounding landscape.
‘’If the complex's purpose is to pursue cultural "enlightenment" this metaphor can also inform the
architectural conception: the building can be both literally and metaphysically "radiant"a beacon of the
cultural life of Los Angeles and the art community at large.’’ Richard Meier.

‘’Italian examples provided both a historical context and a point of departure for developing
answers that fit Los Angeles. The gardens and hill towns of Italy engendered a variety of The site, on a hilltop in the
inspirational experiences in settings similar to our own.’’ Stephen D. Rountree Brentwood neighborhood of Los
Angeles, was a major influence on
CONTEXT OF THE GETTY CENTER Richard Meier's vision for the
complex. The architecture is
‘’It is important to an understanding of the Getty Center's design to visualize its geographical context in Los Angeles. The coastal range of the Santa carefully oriented to take
Monica Mountains runs west-east across the city, defining the Los Angeles coastal basin to the south and the San Fernando Valley to the north. It is
advantage of the surrounding
not a tall range; elevations typically are between eight and fourteen hundred feet. A network of highways and major streets encircles the mountains
and traverses its passes, and the hills are, for the most part, covered with homes. ‘’Harold M. Williams landscape, offering panoramic
views of the city and the Pacific
‘’An ever-present challenge was presented by the Conditional Use Permit restrictions—in particular, the building height limitation. At Ocean.
several meetings we discussed the fact that this "imposed horizontally" required some sort of vertical focus, such as a campanile, to give
unity to the site.’’ Bill Lacy
Meier integrated the buildings
into the natural topography, and
the extensive use of travertine
stone is a reflection of the
geological character of the region.
The interconnected structures,
open spaces, and gardens create a
dialogue between the built
environment and nature. The
relationship of the Getty Center to
its site is characterized by a
harmonious blend of architecture,
landscape, and the cultural
context of Los Angeles.

Emine Sude Gülhan 22073028