About Buildings + Cities 120 — Rem Koolhaas's SMLXL — 1/4
Jan 22, 2025
Dive into the revolutionary chaos of Rem Koolhaas's iconic work, SMLXL, a striking blend of post-modern design and provocative content from the 90s. Explore the complexities architects face in balancing creativity with commercial demands, alongside a humorous critique of urban landscapes. Discover the aesthetic evolution of architectural documentation and the significance of movement in design. Plus, understand how political contexts intertwine with architectural philosophy and the enduring impact of Koolhaas's ideas on today's practitioners.
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SMLXL as Object
- Luke Jones recalls the physicality of SMLXL, comparing it to a large church Bible.
- He describes a personal incident where the book's weight damaged his bicycle bag.
Obscurity as Strategy
- SMLXL intentionally resists clarity, unlike typical architectural monographs.
- Le Corbusier's "Towards a New Architecture" is presented as a counterexample.
SMLXL's Significance
- Rem Koolhaas's SMLXL is a significant piece of 90s architectural media.
- It's a stylish graphic design feat, capturing a distinct moment in time.
