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
Architecture is a dangerous mix of power and importance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Architecture holds significant influence and responsibility in shaping society.
This quote by Rem Koolhaas emphasizes the dual nature of architecture, where its power to influence cultural and social dynamics is balanced by the weight of its importance in shaping environments. It suggests that architects must be aware of their impact and responsibility, as their creations can drastically affect people's lives and experiences.
Themes
ArchitecturePowerImportanceInfluenceResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of architects in society.
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.
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The acceptance of certain realities doesn't preclude idealism. It can lead to certain breakthroughs.
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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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The City is an addictive machine from which there is no escape
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