Weekly G-Chat #1: 7.23.09

A conversation between the creators of this blog Anthony and Anouck about architecture, lazy Americans, and naps.

2:23 PM Anouck: hey Anthony: ALLO Anouck: i don't know if i'm really in a mood to THINK today Anthony: We don't need to think Anthony: We pretty much just interview each other and ask questions whatever we want to ask imma have a cigarette first and then we can start and u can get acoffee if you need one now. 2:28 PM Anouck: ok...the coffee is on his way Anthony: what project best represents your thoughts in architecture/design? 2:44 PM Anouck: not any in particular..it changed, its like asking "what is your favorite band or book" ...my thoughts about architecture can change, so I don’t have some project that can represent my mind in general 2:45 PM but I like "radical" and theoretical project 2:46 PM archigram, archizoom, superstudio, the smithson, the beginnings of coop himmelblau 2:47 PM The beginnings of Rem Koolhaas..Exodus and one of my favorite .... "delirious New York" well ...this time where architecture was more than buildings. Anthony: i'm feelin it. Anouck: first, do you think that it is possible to reflect / represent your thoughts about architecture/design..in just one project? Anthony: Like you, I agree our thoughts are always changing 2:51 PM but I also think it is important to say how you feel at the present moment. SO yes I do think you can. 2:52 PM Anouck: So how do you feel about the past 10 years ? and which project describe the best your idea of architecture ? 2:53 PM Anthony: I really dislike the self-involved non-contextual work I see a lot of students and famous architects create. There are times when that makes sense Like Gehry's Pavilion at Millennium Park 2:54 PM but I think the Tate Modern describes my theories on architecture quite well. Preservation, programmatic re-writing, Frisky stuff on the inside. 2:55 PM and plus British people are fun. Anouck: I think preservation should be ONE of the big question of today.... 2:56 PM Anthony: It is super important and I definitely see a shift of preservation from government to private endeavors. 2:57 PM Why do you think Americans are so lazy? Anouck: hahahah In general, i dont think americans are more lazy than europeans... 3:04 PM south europeans are spending our time sleeping...after 2pm its nap time !!!! 3:05 PM Anthony: HHAHAHAHA Naps make me nervous. Anouck: really ? i love naps 3:06 PM Anthony: I feel like I'm being a glutton. Anouck: i like 20 min naps..after that you always feel better, more than 20 min and your day sucks Anthony: I think I've replaced napping with eating English Toffee and Freeze-pops 3:07 PM which i'm doing right now. Anouck: coffee, coffee, coffee with soy milk but i already had done my 20 min nap after lunch! 3:08 PM so, Do you feel that architecture is sometimes disconnected from his subject? 3:09 PM Anthony: Yes because there's a shit ton of shit buildings. all the architects that are really trying to work on “architecture” are doing other things like writing, cheap projects, and blogging. 3:10 PM The business of architecture doesn't allow good architecture which is sad. 3:11 PM Anouck: because perhaps good architects are not the ones that are building ! cause when you start building "real and reality", I feel that the world of ideas is disappearing for the one of money so is money stronger than ideas? this is sad 3:12 PM Anthony: but then a good building can make money AND have good ideas. Anouck: sure ... 3:13 PM but sometimes there is a gap between ideas / reality and society 3:16 PM so for me perhaps the process of making architecture should be more transparent and more understandable by the public...it's why it is important for architects bad or good to communicate with the public via writings, blog, exhibit and be less snobby 3:17 PM snob does the word snobby exists ? Anthony: yes snobby exists. 3:18 PM OK this is great. I think we're done. unless u have more questions. Anouck: hahahhaha yeah now I've tons of questions but i can keep some for next time. Anthony: one more 3:19 PM Anouck: i could be great to have this kind of conversations once a week..reminds me some of the "salon" with those students and theorists in the parisiens 1920's Anthony: yeah I think so. Anouck: no..i'll keep my questions ! do you have a last one ? 3:20 PM do you like/love/hate architecture ? 3:21 PM Anthony: Love architecture and thinking about architecture I don't like architecture people on the whole, maybe because they scare me there are some cool architects individually. Anouck: I guess i've a passionate relationship with architecture between Love and Hate ! but it's the best ...passion! 3:22 PM Anthony: If i was in a LTR with architecture, he'd be selfish, sexy, and unrewarding. hahahahahaha. But ask me the same question in 10 years and I may have a different answer. Anouck: hahahhahaah what is a LTR ? 3:23 PM Anthony: long term relationship Anouck: hahahahaha