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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Green architecture represents a superficial understanding of sustainability issues in architecture.
In this quote, Rem Koolhaas critiques the current trend of green architecture, suggesting that it oversimplifies the long-standing and complex discussions architecture has had regarding sustainability. He emphasizes that architecture has historically engaged with these issues on a deeper intellectual level, and the modern interpretation is merely a caricature of that rich discourse.
Themes
Green ArchitectureSustainabilityDesignEnvironmentArchitecture
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on modern architecture, you might quote this to highlight the evolution of sustainability in design.
More from Rem Koolhaas
All quotes →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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The City is an addictive machine from which there is no escape
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