Isolation in the Metropolis
“It is often alleged that the Metropolis creates
lonliness and allianation”, this observation by Rem Koolhaas almost appears to
be an oxymoron. Basic instinct would tell us loneliness while living in a dense
metropolis seem to be inversely correlated, however the quote suggests being
one in a sea of many can be isolating. The post-modern work of the 100-Story
building embodies the very ideology of creating a meta-universe within a single
city block. The building itself then becomes the subject of isolation as it is
intended to house your every need, be it an indoor pool, a boxing ring, or an
oyster bar. You can experience everything without leaving the building. Postmodernism
appears to be fueled by this very dogma, that the form of the building is based
purely around the function of the user. While the intent of the 100-story may
be a positive in terms of post-modern domesticity, the problem with it stems
from the negative cultural impacts it outputs, isolation and cultivating a society
that lacks diversity.
A Machine for Metropolitan Bachelors
Painting by Madelon Vriesendorp
The 100 Story Building
This is a really interesting perspective on Koolhaas' idea of congestion and forcing people together in the same space- but when you really get down to it, does it even work?
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ReplyDeleteI think the idea of isolation within the city is still an issue found in many big, congested cities today. Is there a way to make the city less isolating? Can we learn from the results of the postmodern movement?
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