In the first issue of 32BNY, launched in December 2002, they included a quote:
"Seldom is it that we are given an invitation to define our activity in a large and open space such as this paper. A floating space without moorings or markers, but you desire to hear our voices, traces of future memory, a ruin? But the suspension of our belief in the existence of the world may turn out to be a fruitful doubt. One will have to understand that building art is always the spatial execution of spiritual decisions."
Mies van der Rohe, 1926
What is “cinematic architectural discourse”? What is “videopolemic”? We do not really know. However, we begin with a tribute to Lebbeus Woods (1940-2012). He had no problem beginning when he didn’t know. However, this first video is off to a good start at establishing a challenge to the perceptions of buildings and physical space is to the pursuit of Architecture as a philosophy and architecture as a practice.
Steven Holl and Sanford Kwinter discuss some of his ideas and philosophies through his quotes and inspirations. The video serves as a reminder, and to some a guide, as to how to build upon the philosophy of architecture beyond the physical.
“Resist the idea that architecture is a building … resist the idea that architecture can save the world … resist taking the path of least resistance … resist the idea that you need a client to create architecture … resist the inevitable … resist invincible people… resist the expected.” Holl and Sanford recite some of the thoughts that clearly express Woods’ own ambitious “unfettered, spontaneous” creations. This short video makes a profound impact on the question, “What is Architecture for?”. It is an inspiring look at the essence of architecture and how it fits within our ideas of building space.
ABOUT 32BNY
Launched in 2002, 32BNY had 32 pages and 32 nodes in a 32cm x 32cm format as a rhizomatic experiment linking New York and Beijing. The first three editions were printed in Beijing in Mandarin and English in an edition of 10,000. Subsequent issues were printed in Canada in an edition of 1,000.
