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 word 'celebrity' and the word 'architect' are basically incompatible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The terms 'celebrity' and 'architect' represent two fundamentally different roles that do not align well with each other.
Rem Koolhaas suggests that architects, who are creators and thinkers focused on functionality and design, do not fit comfortably within the realm of celebrity, which often values superficiality and fame over substance. This dichotomy highlights the tension between artistic integrity and public persona, indicating that true creative work may be at odds with the culture of celebrity.
Themes
CelebrityArchitectArtIntegrityDesign
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of architects in modern society.
More from Rem Koolhaas
All quotes →What 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.
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The acceptance of certain realities doesn't preclude idealism. It can lead to certain breakthroughs.
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Architecture is a dangerous mix of power and importance.
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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.
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We live in an almost perfect stillness and work with incredible urgency.
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