ruminations about architecture and design

Thursday, March 2, 2017

design most pure



Architecture is more successful as ruin than when it is occupied. At towers of ilium we call this "Ozymandias Syndrome" and our critical theory department makes a point of seeking out buildings that have achieved the noble patina of complete abandonment. A building under construction, however, is generally a great disappointment. Most architects dislike the messiness of the construction process--the revelation of design failures and changes demanded by reason or client needs.

This photo, of a famous building in Cambridge, captures an idealistic moment in the erection. Devoid of people, the structure looks like it is in dress rehearsal for its inevitable destruction.

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