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3. Our demands
3.1_Architecture before art
Architecture is NOT a piece of artwork for the architect’s self-indulgence and ego. If the core of art is being subjective, then the core of architecture must be objective.
Then, should architecture be stripped away from all forms of subjectivity and only cater to the most essential need of sheltering? This is obviously not the solution either, as the homogeneity will lead to creation of post-war Soviet cities, a cold and mechanical formula too far detached from human wants. Yes, architecture exists to not only address the needs of its users, but also their wants. Unfortunately, what seems to be the most desirable thing in the new era of media is just, good looks.
Yet architects must not remain voiceless!
Rather than conforming to the narrative of superficial beauty, we must voice our opinions through our designs towards a new standard of “beauty”. One that is subtle but layered; one that listens to the populace but maintains hints of expressions; one that cares about history and learns from the context. It may not be very instagrammable, nor will it instantly define a city, but it will gain a more profound appreciation from users who experience, not just see the space.
3.2_Empower the populace
Architects must begin gearing their practices towards a state of empowerment. It is no longer acceptable to be entrapped in the “celebrity mindset”, despite Mr. Gehry’s middle finger. Only when architecture is able to disassociate itself from being fashion statements, and architects could step down from their pedestals and engage with the people, could there be progress towards the idealistic state of “utopia”.
The idea of “utopia” is not a city filled with prestigious projects - it needs to be a bottom-up approach beginning with empowering the masses and improving their quality of life. Social Housing is a good starting point, yet it exists in an awkward spot and often gets overlooked by architects.
Aravena Alejandro’s Elemental program is a rare example of architects working with a community, imparting the power of decision-making back to the people. The concept of “half a house” is particularly enticing not only for its affordability and speed, but also as a gesture of respect from the architects, seeking to level the difference in social status through collaboration.
3.3_Redeem, not demolish
Architecture needs to be sympathetic. Building on tabula rasa creates its own bubble - it is easy, but it is neither nor, at least not in the urbanised world we dwell in.
Architecture needs to be accessible. It can be bespoke, but should never be kept away from one for their social or economic status, for it must serve without discrimination.
Architecture needs to be responsible. We can no longer justify the wanton destruction of the environment caused by our greed.
Removing an older part of the city and paving the way for a brand new building/district seems to be the norm for many architects, especially to the starchitects desperately looking to show off their shiny projects. Begin challenging the wasteful culture of commodification! This approach is not only inherently wasteful, it also exacerbates the process of gentrification, fueling the pocket of corporations and developers at the expense of the downtrodden. It must not be considered as the only alternative to urban expansions.
Adopt the “never demolish” ethos from the 2021 Pritzker winner, Lacaton & Vassal, a concept gaining momentum that needs wider recognition and appreciation. Notably, their social housing revamp in Bordeaux serves as a key precedent that engages in critical evaluation of the urban habitat, a humanistic and environmentalistic marriage that is sympathetic, accessible and responsible. Abandon “hedonistic sustainability” [7] and instead take inspiration from the anthropogenic implication of Lacaton & Vassal’s method, for it is far more grounded and sensitive to social and cultural factors.
Embrace the bricoleur mindset! Start by respecting the value of the “already-built”. It is not a simple study of context and locality, but rather a profound observation of user patterns to determine and address issues. The solution can be as simple as an additive process, but it neither asks for the eviction of tenants nor burns a hole in their wallets. Adapting and improvising on existing methodology, such as pre-fabrication, is a more appropriate and intrinsically impactful way of innovation, reaching corners of the world further than the likes of parametricism could ever imagine. Outweighing aesthetics with performance is the non-intrusive and sustainable mantra that all architects must begin shifting to.
[7] HADLEY, ALEXANDER (February 22, 2016). " Bjarke Ingels and the art of greenwashing ". Failed Architecture, Jan 2020
https://failedarchitecture.com/bjarke-ingels-and-the-art-of-greenwashing/
BE CYNICAL, BE SKEPTICAL, BE CRITICAL.
Mingjie Zhang_2021
Bibliography
[1] Gardenvisit.com, “Chandigarh 1 (of 4): Le Corbusier’s urban design and planning”, Sep 21, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCmdimGNp4w
[2] FITTING, PETER. “Urban Planning/Utopian Dreaming: Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh Today.” Utopian Studies 13, no. 1 (2002): 69–93. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20718410.
[3] Koolhaas Houselife, directed by Bêka & Lemoine, April 2013, https://vimeo.com/ondemand/koolhaashouselife/188058775?autoplay=1
[4] MOORE, ROWAN, “The Bilbao effect: how Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim started a global craze”, https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/oct/01/bilbao-effect-frank-gehry-guggenheim-global-craze
[5] SHIRVANI, HAMID, “Post, Past, or Post-Past, the commodification of architecture”, Current Volume: Number 8 (1999) Combined Issue 8-9 Spring/Autumn https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/differentia/?utm_source=commons.library.stonybrook.edu%2Fdifferentia%2Fvol8%2Fiss1%2F9&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages
[6] Rubinstein, Dana. "Port Authority declines to celebrate Calatrava-designed transportation hub". Capital New York. Albany, N.Y. February 26, 2016. http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2016/02/8591588/port-authority-declines-celebrate-calatrava-designed-transportation-h
[7] HADLEY, ALEXANDER (February 22, 2016). " Bjarke Ingels and the art of greenwashing ". Failed Architecture, Jan 2020
https://failedarchitecture.com/bjarke-ingels-and-the-art-of-greenwashing/
Images
Fig.1. Laurian Ghinitoiu, Palace of Assembly, Chandigarh, 2018 https://www.archdaily.com/806115/ad-classics-master-plan-for-chandigarh-le-corbusier> ISSN 0719-8884
Fig.2. Mapin, Master plan of Chandigarh, 2012
https://www.archdaily.com/806115/ad-classics-master-plan-for-chandigarh-le-corbusier> ISSN 0719-8884
Fig.3. Hans Werlemann, internal elevator. 1999
https://www.archdaily.com/104724/ad-classics-maison-bordeaux-oma> ISSN 0719-8884
Fig.4.Hans Werlemann, front entrance. 1999
https://www.archdaily.com/104724/ad-classics-maison-bordeaux-oma> ISSN 0719-8884
Fig.5.PixArchi, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, 2019
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Guggenheim-Museum-Bilbao
Fig.6-8. Ossip van Duivenbode,Binhai Library, Tianjin, 2017
https://www.inexhibit.com/case-studies/tianjin-binhai-library-by-mvrdv-is-this-the-library-of-the-future/
Fig.9. Kathryn Brenzel, Cost estimate of the PATH station by Santiago Calatrava
https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/the-path-to-4-billion/
Fig. 11. The Guardian, article on statistics from Qatar construction worker deaths
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022
Fig. 13. Juan Herrera, Email exchange with SANNA
https://twitter.com/herrerajuans/status/579995961914736640
Fig. 14. u/crywolfer, OMA hiring requirements
https://www.reddit.com/r/recruitinghell/comments/p1zovp/no_95_mentality/
Fig. 15 - 16, Aravena, Elemental A Do Tank, 2011
Fig. 17 - 18. Philippe Ruault, Social Housing Bordeaux, facade
https://www.archdaily.com/915431/transformation-of-530-dwellings-lacaton-and-vassal-plus-frederic-druot-plus-christophe-hutin-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884
go home, dream's over.
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