"whatcha gonna do with all that junk?"
Junkspace is the epitome of commercialism and consumerism. Malls as a typical example are very expensive walls to hang advertisements for fortune 500 companies. I agree with Rem Koolhaas critique of its affect on the decline of quality architecture- especially Western, modern architecture- and the failure of an architectural type with the resultant being a lackluster shed for consumerist goods to be stored in. I believe it is easier for us now to agree with his opinions as students as malls are now closing down across America and online shopping has become the new face of commercialism.
However, I do believe these junkspaces could potentially revive themselves with no purpose given the proper TLC to become new areas of residential housing or recreation spaces for communities. This could be a sustainable solution to revitalize these buildings and also beneficial economically and socially for communities.
EK,
ReplyDeleteI agree that malls are a great example of mass produced commercialism. I think while the mall era has certainly slowed down, it still very much represents the culture of mass consumption that is present today. I would like to think that the newer generations of designers will be more creative with their designs so that we don't join a culture of monotonous design. The first step will be to address the existing Architecture like you said and use the vast resources at hand to turn it around.