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.
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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.
Rem KoolhaasRead
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