A Continuing Epidemic
Junkspace is the world of architecture that we see today. The world has progressed tremendously in terms of technology, but in terms of architecture, it seems that we have less and less buildings that will truly stand the test of time. We build monolithic buildings in terms of program and function more and more than we do in terms of the lasting legacy we leave in this profession. While some new architecture does live up to this legacy, we see fewer examples of that. Technology has made us efficient and less effective. We are less effective at creating new icons, but more efficient in the way we design and build. Time at the end of the day is of the essence, and that seems like it will never change. Technology has boosted our productivity, but harmed our idiosyncrasy. Junkspace is our gift to the world we leave behind us. Maybe they will figure out what to do with it.
I agree. A lot of the "junky" architecture is purely regurgitated forms and typologies. As we have more access to an endless amount of information on the internet, the majority of the time we are just replicated other things that we see. A lot of the time, not always, we are not critical enough of past precedents and typologies. If we don't analyze and questions things that have been done, then how can we expect to evolve and grow? We are stuck designing what we know without thinking and without growing!
ReplyDeleteWhy do we need buildings to stand the test of time? If we design with this mentality, we will reach a point where there is no room for anything new. The pyramids are now a waste of space, something that Cairo keeps encroaching upon. Maybe we need to design more junkspace. In doing so we will be designing buildings that lack a soul or meaning, thus, hurting no one’s feelings when we just tear them down and start something new. Maybe the junkspace we build today is where demolition will begin when the next generation comes up with a more meaningful architecture. We’re just holding the space for them until it happens.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is when we deplete all our resources building junkspace and then we are left with nothing at all, because it has been built to throw away.
ReplyDeleteI agree with JP & Rebecca. James, the pyramids are not a waste of space, but a symbol for what we think of when we think of Egypt. If we build more junkspace now, then why do we call ourselves architects? Why don't we call ourselves builders or contractors? Why would we waste our resources, time, and energy on building in the world we live if we cannot improve it? Why wait for the next guy to come in and do a better job? We should not be a place holder, but a place maker.
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