About Buildings + Cities 110 — Rem Koolhaas's Delirious New York — 3/3
Nov 28, 2023
Dive into the intriguing cultural clash between European modernism and the unique vibrancy of Manhattan. Explore the whimsical and ironic visions in the speculative appendix of a famous book, alongside a critique of urban ideals shaped by Le Corbusier and Dali. Discover the complexities of architectural representation, highlighting avant-garde designs within a structured urban framework. Delve into captivating tales, like a fantastical journey involving a floating pool, blending modernism with poignant societal themes. This episode showcases the humor and gravity in urban architectural discourse.
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Europeans' Complex View of New York
- European architects admired and envied New York's modernity but preserved cultural superiority feelings.
- Rockefeller Center architects studied European modernism but incorporated little of it.
Le Corbusier and Manhattanism's End
- Le Corbusier criticized New York, envisioning large spaced skyscrapers unlike its dense clusters.
- His modernist vision ultimately contributed to ending Manhattanism's vibrant density.
Postwar Urban Energy Shift
- Post-WWII urban energy shifted from dense city cores to sprawling suburbs and highways.
- Cars and economics drove this suburbanization, not modernism alone.
