Because Architecture

Of all the great architects that have been the topic of discussion throughout my last six years in academia Peter Eisenman stands out not only for his work, but for his philosophy toward architecture. His notion that for architecture to resist economy architecture must remove itself from its autonomous language has allowed him much freedom and validation in designing many of his most notable works. While he represents an idea that had never been previously seen before in the practice he is not one who should be admired or replicated in my opinion. This comes from a personal view that architecture is a service more than anything. Eisenman has come to represent the starchitect/artist that is above reproach. Why design a building in such an obscure way? Because architecture. That’s why. Architecture is a not just about the narrative that it conveys but also about the way people use it. For this reason I would make the case that Eisenman is much more a philosopher and artist than an architect.