the return of the real…………

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In a very thoughtful article in DEZEEN architect/critic Aaron Betsky, reflecting on the upcoming developments in architecture and the role of the architect within, states that ‘our agenda must be to reuse, rethink, reimagine and relive our present.’ and that ‘architects will face the increasing fluidity of our society’. Although the latter – i.e. fluidity – is not a new phenomenon he is right in emphasizing  that our current hybrid society questions the often traditional attitude of many architects. Interesting is his prediction that ‘we will increasingly build in and with the earth’ where it could be (think of sea-level rise) be more logical to built above it…………what is real?

Beyond Binary

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wonderful lecture in Zagreb by MTF’s Michela Magas on ’the End of Binary’;  concepts of man, fuzzy logic and the use of other than one’s own capabilities.

 

Usman Haque on smart and/or cities

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most actual, interesting and revealing interview with Umbrellium’s/Thingful CEO Usman Haque on smartness, smart cities, engagement, social factors and the criteria/preferences involved. This talk is part of a series ‘Building Engaging Spaces of the Future’ by Momenta.

 

the everyday

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Recovered in an antiquarian bookshop: the inaugural talk ‘the Everyday’ by Prof.Ir. John Habraken back in 1967 (!) on his acceptance of the position of Professor of Architectural Design at the Technical University of Eindhoven. Amazing to read once again – in 19 pages – his envisioning of a paradigm-shift of facilitating/designing housing by means of creating a split between structure and infill. One remark for now: “The simple truth is that the everyday cannot be created for a society but only out of that society”(trans. mp, ital.orig.) I suggest we reread this publicly, widely and act likewise, after 50 years…

living buildings

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a most interesting and promising initiative in the UK where the Universities of Newcastle and Northumbria joined for a new research project: “to develop new technologies to revolutionise how buildings are constructed and how they operate”(..) Its aim is to create a new generation of ‘Living Buildings’, which are responsive to the natural environment, grown using living engineered materials, which process their own waste, reduce pollution, generate energy and support a biological environment that benefits health.”

The research started August 1st.; t.b.c……………………

Ai-Weiwei on art

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although somewhat difficult where it comes to terms and mutual communication it still is an interesting interview at NEXUS-Institute: Ai-WeiWei on Art. In 3 sections: The Value of Art, the Responsibility of an Artist, How to be an artist.

 

‘all that is digitized must converge’

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a wonderful blog-post by Michel Sacasas on Ellul’s latest book and his thoughts about the status of technology and the compensatory factors that should occur. “We have no choice but to live in a world dominated by technique,” he (i.e. Ellul, mp) explains, “but we are forced to find something providing satisfactions elsewhere and permitting us to live otherwise.” When it comes to architecture I guess there are valuable options for ‘compensation’ – man as homo faber or universalis – which to me should not be regarded as such since they are as valuable, rewarding and inescapable as ever.

the future of architecture in a digital age,

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interesting video-report of a recent meeting between architect Ben van Berkel (UN-Studio), philosopher Ad Verbrugge and computer hci-expert Arief Huhn on the consequences of digitalization in architecture for inhabitants, the city and our experience.

 

Rethinking the Smart City

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Published in 2018, the text by Evgeny Morozov and Francesa Bria offers a clear vision and action doc on the current trend of declaring many cities ‘smart’. Their plea for a far more democratic and in-control situation is not a refusal of technological developments but for a rethinking of data-ownership  and   responsibility. “The authors discuss alternative smart city models, which rely on democratic data ownership regimes, grassroots innovation, and cooperative service provision models.”

Adams, site and place

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This Thursday, January 10th. 2019, the work of the American composer John Luther Adams will be performed in Rotterdam’s Doelen Concert Hall. Reading the text on his website I was struck by the reference he creates to e.g. the works of Robert Smithson concerning site and non-site. Adams weaves his thoughts on people, landscape, art and culture through music such as ‘Dark Waves’ and, earlier, ‘Become Ocean’. But his text alone remains timeless reading ………..