Architecture is a hazardous mixture of omnipotence and impotence. It is by definition a c h a o t i c a d v e n t u r e... In other words, the utopian enterprise.
Rem KoolhaasRead
The City is an addictive machine from which there is no escape
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that cities have a captivating and inescapable nature that can deeply influence their inhabitants.
Rem Koolhaas's quote highlights the complex relationship between individuals and urban environments. The metaphor of a city as an 'addictive machine' implies that cities have the power to draw people in, shape their lives, and create dependencies, much like a machine creates a cycle of engagement and consumption. This reflects how urban living can become both exhilarating and confining, entrapping individuals within its intricate systems and experiences.
Themes
CityUrbanAddictionInfluenceMachine
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing urban planning in a conference to highlight the allure and challenges of city living.
More from Rem Koolhaas
All quotes βWhat is now called 'green architecture' is an opportunistic caricature of a much deeper consideration of the issues related to sustainability that architecture has been engaged with for many years. It was one of the first professions that was deeply concerned with these issues and that had an intellectual response to them.
Rem KoolhaasRead
The acceptance of certain realities doesn't preclude idealism. It can lead to certain breakthroughs.
Rem KoolhaasRead
Architecture is a dangerous mix of power and importance.
Rem KoolhaasRead
Japan lives with drastic segregation between the sublime, the ugly, and the utterly without qualities. Dominance of the last 2 categories makes mere presence of the first stunning: when beauty 'happens', it is absolutely surprising.
Rem KoolhaasRead
We live in an almost perfect stillness and work with incredible urgency.
Rem KoolhaasRead
Similar quotes
Why, I can't help wondering, is God thought to need such ferocious defence? One might have supposed him amply capable of looking after himself.
Richard DawkinsRead
If two people agree, one of them is unnecessary.
Henry FordRead
The more we know of God, the more unreservedly we will trust him; the greater our progress in theology, the simpler and more child-like will be our faith
John Gresham MachenRead
You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Sometimes I am a different character in different languages. I have different enjoyment from them. Sometimes different answers come out of me. Like, I didn't even know that about me. I get to know myself through different languages, actually.
Roger FedererRead
Josh: So, Toby, itβs election night. What do you say about a country that goes out of its way to protect even those citizens that try to destroy it? Toby: God bless America.
Aaron SorkinRead