The Metropolis: Fantasy Land

Koolhaas presents the interesting idea that urban design has become a response to the needs of people (as a result of population density) to live in a fantasy. This new order of design promotes a vertical congestion (seen in section). As technology advances, so do the possibilities for urban growth, and thus the response to population density further confuses the reality within the city.

Koolhaas discusses Coney Island as an example of how a population was removed from nature’s reality by the technological machines that disguised the beach's overcrowding. Quantity of fake milk beats limited supplies of real milk, fake horses on a track beat real horse rides, and electrical lights allow for a 24-hour experience. These unnatural changes, although distorting reality, are acceptable because they allow for people to live comfortably in a densely populated site. (Does it matter if we live in a distorted reality, so long as we appear to be happy?) The idea of over-population is no longer noticed as people can still accomplish what they went to the beach to do.

The invention of the Otis elevator further allowed Manhattan to adapt to its population growth and added a new level of congestion. Horizontal space is limited, but our vertical existence is unlimited so long as we have the technological means. The elevator opened this never imagined possibility. Multiple uses/programs could now exist in the same square footage of a New York block; multiple Villas were encased by a unifying structure…bring on the skyscrapers!

However, as this new world was created, the population was furthering itself from the reality of nature (and the ground). But don’t worry, it would be ok, because as Koolhaas mentions, in the “100 Story Building”, each cubicle could become its own “private existential journey”. Technology had once again provided the distorted reality of nature, which was sufficient for the population to live; it still beats the alternative. This is also evident in the golf course level of the Downtown Athletic Club. Why would we need to be on an actual golf course when we have murals that represent the always perfect horizon? The course even has light fixtures above it; you can’t get those on a real golf course.

With this convoluted system occurring inside the building, the exterior would need to be treated differently. To hide the customized mess that was going on within the skyscraper, a “serene sculptural object” would need to be portrayed from the street view. This would help to hide the schizophrenic themes occurring within the building.  

The readings/videos for this week reveal an interesting view on Metropolis living. I’ve never really considered this view, but it does make perfect sense. I’m not sure if what we are doing is wrong or right, but if people are living a seemingly happy existence, it can’t be too bad living in a fantasy. It means people don’t have an excuse to complain about life.

“The true ambition of the Metropolis is to create a world totally fabricated by man”