Technology in Architecture

“Junkspace is additive, layered, and lightweight, not articulated in different parts but subdivided, quartered the way a carcass is torn apart- individual chunks severed from a universal condition.”

After class’s discussion of Koolhass’s essay, Junkspace, I was intrigued with a theme I noticed regarding his position on technology in architecture. Koolhass consistently criticized technologies not directly developed by architects due to their impact on architecture. For example, he criticized the introduction of the elevator as it allowed for massive vertical buildings with seemly endless floors and unnecessary space. Similarly, the introduction of air conditioning, allows massive building envelopes and endless buildings. Koolhass argues both contribute to Junkspace or “mutant regimes of organization and coexistence that leave architecture behind.” This raises an important question, what is the role of the architect with technological advances? While the architect cannot control the development of technology they can directly impact the role it plays in buildings. For me, I believe the role of the architect is careful consideration of technology through thoughtful engagement and responsible design.