About Buildings + Cities 13 – Ayn Rand's 'The Fountainhead' – 1 of 2
Jan 30, 2017
Delve into the chaotic world of Ayn Rand's 'The Fountainhead,' where the struggle for individuality clashes with societal expectations. Explore the absurdity behind the characters' convoluted motivations and the contentious themes of ambition and superficiality. Unpack Howard Rourke’s representation of objectivism as he battles against conformist architect Peter Keating. Discover Rand's perspective on individualism and civilization, and how her early life influenced her writing, despite the convoluted narratives and questionable politics. Expect humor and sharp critique!
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Roark's Expulsion
- Howard Roark gets expelled from Stanton University for refusing to conform to classical architectural styles.
- He argues that materials, site, and purpose should determine a building's form, not historical precedent.
Roark and Objectivism
- Roark's defiance represents Rand's objectivism, prioritizing individual creative vision over external authority.
- Roark's modernism is problematic because it lacks external justification, stemming solely from his own ideas.
Roark's Backstory
- Roark's backstory presents him as a self-made man with no parents, working on building sites since childhood.
- This emphasizes his independent, almost messianic, nature and inherent willpower.
