About Buildings + Cities cover image

121 — Rem Koolhaas's SMLXL — 2/4

About Buildings + Cities

00:00

The Complex Legacy of Architectural Ambition

This chapter explores the challenges faced during the construction of a distinctive office building, emphasizing its ambitious design against budgetary constraints. It highlights the eventual demolition of the building as a reflection of its troubled legacy and examines the critical disconnect between vision and execution in architecture. The discussion also touches on significant themes of modern architecture, including the conceptual idea of 'typical plans' and the tensions between commercial utility and artistic ideology.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app