Capitalistic Architecture
In David Harvey’s Right to the City, it refers to Haussmann and how capital had shifted social problems and in turn, caused the redevelopment of city plans particularly for highways and suburbanization. This made me reconsider Rem Koolhaas’ ideas on Junkspace. Koolhaas demonstrated how junkspace such as shopping malls were created due to capitalist needs. So, we now have Harvey and Koolhaas both indicating how capitalism shifts architecture to promote flexibility and community. But, I question if capitalism is overall necessary to the innovation of architecture? I personally can see how it is valuable. I believe this type of innovation can specifically be seen in office buildings- particularly in the ones that implement co-working or hot-desking into flexible office space. Overall, capitalistic architecture tends to be current and covers multiple groups' needs.
I think in some ways capitalism does drive architectural innovation simply because of the cost of projects. A greater budget is obviously a large factor in being able to pursue unique design strategies. I do think that the flexibility or overall environment of a building does not necessarily have to do with capitalist needs or 'capitalistic architecture.' Going back to Habraken's beliefs, I see the innovation of space and environment as a major challenge that has a lot to do with how we design and who is part of the design process.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that you brought up Koolhaas' thoughts on Junkspace. And then comparing that to the contemporary office co-working in environment to relate it back to capitalistic impact on architecture. I agree that capitalistic architecture draws a blurred line between good and bad. I feel like money should never drive architecture in specific directions, but also, how could it not?
ReplyDeleteAshley, I see your point as I too thought of Junkspace when reading this article by Harvey. To me it seems like capitalist architecture seeks to only benefit the large corporations and distract the common people rather than provide something can be a benefit to all. Harvey describes Paris removing working class homes to provide more consumerist outlets for shoppers. Could there be something that benefits all?
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