the return of the real…………

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?