The Space Within Buildings

 

John Portman (Atlanta Marriot)

Rem Koolhaas Junkspace describes the disorganized physical environment created by modern consumer culture. He believes that Junkspace is a reflection of our society’s failure to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and how these spaces are often designed without any real consideration for the people who inhabit them. Koolhaas believes this type of environment allows for the development of bigger problems that can lead to a lack of meaningful connection between people and their environment. 

Within this reading, Koolhaas calls for architects and urban planners to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions. This reminds me of a question we had at the debate on how “architects have more influence in the design process than the consumer.” In a way, Koolhaas explains how consumer-designed cities can be unorganized and unsustainable. Architects should strive to create spaces that are well thought out, and that will stand the test over time. This just goes to show that architects do more than design buildings. They are designing spaces that can have a great impact on the way people live.