Architecture of the Vibe
The unrelenting downpour of rain across a neon backdrop of revivalist architecture in “Blade Runner” is cinematic and mesmerizing to watch, but you wouldn’t want to get caught in it. Or would you? If it made you feel like a protagonist, perhaps you would. I think that notion lies at the heart of Peter Eisenman’s concept of the culture of congestion in architecture. The implementation of technology as a means to make urban spaces busier more frequently unveils a sort of glorification of the hustle and bustle. It evokes the idea that architecture isn’t worth experiencing unless there are a million things happening around it, and that someone’s story isn’t worth hearing unless the vibes are immaculate. Both absolutely untrue, of course, the vibes in “Blade Runner” were immaculate but the story was lacking, I found. So it raises the question: By enabling this culture of congestion, a society where the most crowded streets are dubbed the most cinematic yet make you feel the least socially connected, do we spite ourselves? Is the vibe, dare I say, bad?
YOU GASP IN SHOCK
I agree that the plot was fairly simple. However, if the setting wasn't as busy... it would have lost me sooner. Interacting with the people, places, technology... well, everything... is vital to have the feeling of belonging. The people of Earth in this movie are deemed to be the outcasts of the ones that are worth going to another planet. So, it can be assumed that congestion is one of familiarity and a sense of home. I'm not sure if that is such a bad thing???
ReplyDeleteI definitely see where you're coming from and it makes me think of the bigger cities in the world. Like are these cities actually appealing because of their global recognition along with how they attract the masses, or if there's an aspect of willful ignorance regarding the visual and inherent issues that one might overlook in the pursuit of simulation. The vibes are definitely bad!
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