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The
following is a stream of thought.
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When it comes to architecture, I spend 95% of the time pissed off and frustrated with the lack of care or knowledge of good design. Unfortunately, without a social conscience or clientele pushing progressive design objectives I am essentially useless. I suppose I can spend my time drawing people's dream houses for them -drawing, not designing +it is amazing how similar their dream house is to their next door neighbor's dream house-, pumping out construction documents for interior office renovations, or drawing foundation details and be happy. Then again, I think I would prefer to be fucked in the ass by a horny hermaphrodite while having my arm consumed by a cannibal. Just a thought... who said life was supposed to be enjoyable? It is easy to blame wal-mart, bush, and Martha Stewart for my hardships. Instead, today, in this text, I think I will blame architects for raping the joy of my life and leaving it with a faint pulse on the side of the road in siberia as dead. I like the idea of an antiHOUSE. I think the idea is very powerful, particularly after a recent conversation with Yakov. His stance is something of this nature does not have a market (Indianapolis was used as the base geographic location for the debate). I believe Indianapolis does not have any comparable buildings constructed, making it difficult to gauge a societal reaction to the typology. He then brought up newer buildings, such as the Conseco Field House and their lack of aesthetic progressment contrasted with their perceived acceptance. Architects shape culture. I know there are millions of additional factors shaping culture: MTV, Bush, $$, etc. Architects in the city are satisfied with building the bastard child's of some deformed (conformed) spin-off of modernism. Okay, typically the function over aesthetic ideology castrates design. I cannot even grasp this concept. I think it is a cop-out for most architects to even touch the statement. Unless one's name is synonymous to Maya Lin or Rem Koolhaas, what one is actually saying translates: I have no time, talent, and/or passion. How can Yakov, or equivalent, look at an image of the Merrill Street Residence and proclaim, "This does not function!"? What the fuck does that mean? So, when did Indianapolis architects decide it was okay for buildings to look like shit? From my perspective, many architects have simply given up. I think it is too easy to blame the owners, city planners, contractors, or financial environment. Over the years, it seems architects have become extremely adept at removing themselves from all responsibility. At the end of the day, an architect's signature appears on each page of a construction set. Why? Do the majority of architects in the city of Indianapolis like the look of the buildings throughout? Has the Shititect reached a critical mass? Damn. Is it possible another style, like something pretty, could be accepted just as easily? It reminds me of Pleasantville. Are the majority of people fearful a different type of design is going to tear down the wall? I do not know... I am sick of it. This city gets to me. That is the idea behind antiHOUSE. I am
not conforming to a societal perception of the aesthetic of a house. I
am not trying to construct a giant mirror which will always be reflective
of the surrounding context. I am dropping a meteor onto the site. The
meteor is my imagination and my feelings of good design. I trust my schooling
and experience will direct my talents and decision making. These are the
only controls. I cannot be limited in any other way. The aftermath will
knock some people on their asses and affirm their own aesthetic appreciations.
For others, a new way of thought will be displayed and it may not be far
from their own idea of design. Compromise is done- it is not working.
If my designs are perceived not to function, good. If that is function,
than fuck function. I do not want to be associated with function. I am
now anti-function. If someone wants a house from me, it has to amaze me.
It has to be an antiHOUSE. |
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