Lovely Congestion

Koolhaas' perspective on congestion causes one to consider how his understanding of urban density and the diversity of program given to a skyscraper's layers radically influenced architectural theory. Born in 1993, it is not possible for me to conceive a world without these conditions existing. To not take them for granted, but instead challenge their notion is exciting as a student. *Thank you Koolhaas*

The sheer notion of congested has a negative connotation. Even so, I believe its application to architecture to be wildly exciting. The 1931 Downtown Athletic Club is an example of a space that exists in conjunction to one's business or even personal setting enables the mind to conceive of buildings that serve endless functions, possibly all at once.

Layering onto this idea is the notion of loneliness that congestion can create. Whether or not you believe that loneliness can be fabricated by the built environment, I believe that built environments inversely have the power to create love and excitement. We see this example in the utilization of Coney Island and the “barrels of love.” While this is an exaggeration and, depending on your beliefs, sinful use of the built environment, this can be found at varying levels throughout congested urban environments throughout the world. Each existing in a different manner to create and provide love and excitement. The notion of congestion as a place of diversity of spaces and people provides humanity with the unique collection of ideas and perspectives necessary to exhilarate and to entertain.