Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects

Peter Zumthor

What “really constitutes an architectural atmosphere, Peter Zumthor says, is “this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty … under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way. Zumthor s passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it?

The alternative History of Architecture.

by Rennie Jones

(Image via ArchDaily)

Last week, Patrik Schumacher, Zaha Hadid’s right-hand man, attempted to mandate the boundaries of Architecture in a social media post worthy of a Millennial. The tone was prescriptive and characterized by a liberal application of caps lock. In an ideal world, it might have been collectively ignored, but the discussion sprawled across multiple Facebook threads and inspired a broad media response (not to mention this one). I offer you a very reductive abstract: Architecture’s contribution to society is form, not political correctness and not art, which lacks a function beyond itself. A fair bit of the ensuing banter on Schumacher’s FB wall draws, then erases, then rehashes the distinction between art and architecture. With more than a hint of indignation, he specifically denounces the winners of the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale. He was not on the roster. Injured dignities aside, the commentary allowed a pervasive and omnipresent question within our discipline to resurface in the digital forum: What do architects offer that no one else can?

Co.Design Bracket Madness: Who Is The World’s Greatest Living Designer?

Welcome to Co.Design Bracket Madness! With your help, we’ve compiled a bracket featuring some of the greatest designers alive. Your job is to help crown a winner.

I don’t want to alarm anyone, but on Saturday, the moon ate Saturn.

I guess it finally got tired of it showing off those rings.