The Scale and Scope of S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf: A Critical Analysis
S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf: A Review of the Iconic Book by the Renowned Architect
If you are interested in architecture, urbanism, or design, you have probably heard of S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf. This book, published in 1995, is one of the most influential and controversial works in the field of architecture. It is not a conventional monograph or a textbook, but a collection of essays, projects, photographs, diagrams, and anecdotes that span four decades of Rem Koolhaas's career. The book is divided into four sections, each corresponding to a different scale of architecture: S (small), M (medium), L (large), and XL (extra-large). In this article, we will review the book and its main themes and concepts. We will also introduce Rem Koolhaas, the author and architect behind the book. Finally, we will evaluate the book's impact and relevance in contemporary architecture and culture.
S M L Xl Rem Koolhaas.pdfl
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Introduction
What is S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf?
S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf is not a typical book. It is a 1,376-page tome that weighs over 6 pounds. It is designed by Bruce Mau, a Canadian graphic designer who collaborated with Rem Koolhaas on several projects. The book has no clear structure or order. It mixes text and images in various formats and sizes. It includes essays by Koolhaas and other writers, such as Hans Ulrich Obrist and Jennifer Sigler. It also showcases hundreds of projects by Koolhaas and his firm OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), ranging from furniture to masterplans. The book is organized into four sections based on the scale of architecture: S (small), M (medium), L (large), and XL (extra-large). Each section has its own color scheme and typography. The book is intended to be read nonlinearly and randomly. It invites the reader to explore different aspects and perspectives of architecture.
Who is Rem Koolhaas and why is he important?
Rem Koolhaas is a Dutch architect, urbanist, and writer. He was born in 1944 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He studied architecture at the Architectural Association in London and at Cornell University in New York. He also worked as a journalist and a screenwriter before becoming an architect. He founded OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) in 1975 with Elia Zenghelis, Madelon Vriesendorp, and Zoe Zenghelis. OMA is one of the most influential and innovative architectural firms in the world. It has designed and built many iconic buildings and projects, such as the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, the Seattle Central Library, the Casa da Música in Porto, and the Fondazione Prada in Milan. OMA also has several spin-off offices, such as AMO (a research and design studio), OMA*AMO (a branding and communication agency), and OMA New York (a regional branch).
Rem Koolhaas is also a prolific and provocative writer. He has authored and co-authored several books, such as Delirious New York (1978), S M L XL (1995), Mutations (2000), Content (2004), and Project Japan (2011). He has also taught and lectured at various universities, such as Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and MIT. He has received many awards and honors, such as the Pritzker Prize (2000), the RIBA Gold Medal (2004), the Praemium Imperiale (2003), and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale of Architecture (2010). He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and visionary architects of our time.
What are the main themes and concepts of the book?
S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf is not a book that can be easily summarized or categorized. It covers a wide range of topics and issues related to architecture, urbanism, culture, politics, history, and society. However, some of the main themes and concepts that emerge from the book are:
Bigness: Koolhaas defines bigness as a condition of architecture that transcends scale, program, context, and style. Bigness is not about size, but about complexity and autonomy. Bigness is achieved when a building becomes a city within a city, a world within a world. Bigness challenges the traditional notions of form, function, and meaning in architecture.
Generic city: Koolhaas describes the generic city as a new type of urbanism that emerges from globalization, standardization, and homogenization. The generic city is not defined by its history, identity, or culture, but by its infrastructure, services, and consumption. The generic city is indifferent to its location, climate, and inhabitants. The generic city is everywhere and nowhere.
Delirious city: Koolhaas portrays the delirious city as a city that is constantly changing, expanding, and mutating. The delirious city is driven by forces of capitalism, technology, and media. The delirious city is unpredictable, chaotic, and contradictory. The delirious city is a source of inspiration and innovation for architecture.
Paranoid city: Koolhaas depicts the paranoid city as a city that is haunted by fears of violence, terrorism, disease, and disaster. The paranoid city is protected by surveillance, security, and control systems. The paranoid city is isolated, segregated, and sanitized. The paranoid city is a challenge and a threat for architecture.
These themes and concepts are explored through various projects and essays in the four sections of the book: S (small), M (medium), L (large), and XL (extra-large). In the following sections, we will review each section briefly.
S: Small
The smallest scale of architecture: furniture, interiors, and objects
The first section of the book focuses on the smallest scale of architecture: furniture, interiors and objects . These are the elements that shape the everyday life and experience of people in their homes and workplaces . They are also the elements that reflect the personal taste and style of their owners and users .
Examples of projects in this section: Villa dall'Ava, Maison à Bordeaux, Kunsthal Rotterdam
Some of the projects that are featured in this section are:
The house has a steel structure that allows for large openings and cantilevers. The house also has a swimming pool on the roof that overlooks the Eiffel Tower.
Maison à Bordeaux: A house in Bordeaux that was designed for a client who was paralyzed from the waist down. The house has a hydraulic platform that can move vertically between three levels. The platform acts as a room, a furniture, and a device that enables the client to access different spaces and functions.
Kunsthal Rotterdam: An art museum in Rotterdam that was designed as a hybrid of exhibition spaces and public spaces. The museum has no fixed entrance or exit, but multiple routes and connections. The museum also has no clear distinction between interior and exterior, but a continuous flow of spaces.
How S relates to Koolhaas's theory of "bigness" and "generic city"
Although the projects in this section are small in scale, they are not small in ambition or complexity. They demonstrate Koolhaas's theory of "bigness", which states that architecture can achieve a new level of autonomy and expression when it exceeds the limits of scale, program, context, and style. They also reflect Koolhaas's concept of "generic city", which suggests that architecture can create a new type of urbanism that is indifferent to its location, climate, and culture. These projects show that architecture can be both specific and generic, both intimate and monumental, both personal and universal.
M: Medium
The medium scale of architecture: buildings, complexes, and campuses
The second section of the book focuses on the medium scale of architecture: buildings, complexes and campuses . These are the elements that shape the collective life and experience of people in their communities and institutions . They are also the elements that reflect the social and cultural values and aspirations of their clients and users .
Examples of projects in this section: Euralille, Zeebrugge Ferry Terminal, Educatorium Utrecht
Some of the projects that are featured in this section are:
Euralille: A masterplan for a new urban center in Lille that was developed around a high-speed train station. The masterplan includes a shopping mall, an office tower, a convention center, a hotel, and a park. The masterplan aims to create a dynamic and diverse urban environment that connects Lille to other European cities.
Zeebrugge Ferry Terminal: A terminal for ferries and cruise ships in Zeebrugge that was designed as a flexible and adaptable structure. The terminal consists of a series of modular units that can be arranged and rearranged according to different needs and demands. The terminal also functions as a public space that offers views and amenities to the passengers and visitors.
Educatorium Utrecht: A building for the University of Utrecht that was designed as a multipurpose and multifunctional facility. The building contains lecture halls, classrooms, offices, cafeterias, and libraries. The building is organized around two large folded planes that create different spaces and atmospheres. The building also integrates various environmental and technological systems.
How M reflects Koolhaas's interest in urbanism and hybridity
The projects in this section reflect Koolhaas's interest in urbanism and hybridity. They demonstrate how architecture can respond to the changing needs and conditions of contemporary society. They also show how architecture can create new forms and functions that combine different programs and typologies. These projects challenge the conventional boundaries and definitions of architecture.
L: Large
The large scale of architecture: cities, regions, and metropolises
The third section of the book focuses on the large scale of architecture: cities, regions and metropolises . These are the elements that shape the global life and experience of people in their nations and continents . They are also the elements that reflect the political and economic forces and trends of their times and places .
Examples of projects in this section: Melun-Sénart, Tokyo Bay Plan, Jussieu Library
Some of the projects that are featured in this section are:
Melun-Sénart: A masterplan for a new town in the suburbs of Paris that was designed as a counter-model to the traditional French urbanism. The masterplan proposes a decentralized and dispersed urban fabric that consists of clusters of buildings and open spaces. The masterplan also introduces a new type of public space that is based on the concept of "parc urbain".
Tokyo Bay Plan: A proposal for a new urban development in Tokyo Bay that was designed as a response to the overcrowding and congestion of Tokyo. The proposal suggests a radical transformation of the bay into a series of artificial islands that host different functions and activities. The proposal also envisions a new mode of transportation that is based on the concept of "capsule".
Jussieu Library: A competition entry for a new library for the University of Paris that was designed as a reinterpretation of the classical library typology. The entry proposes a continuous and fluid space that spirals around a central void. The entry also incorporates various elements of the existing campus, such as the gardens, the bridges, and the towers.
How L explores Koolhaas's vision of "delirious" and "paranoid" cities
The projects in this section explore Koolhaas's vision of "delirious" and "paranoid" cities. They demonstrate how architecture can express and influence the cultural and psychological states of contemporary urban society. They also show how architecture can cope and compete with the forces of globalization, technology, and media. These projects reveal the potentials and pitfalls of architecture in the age of information and communication.
XL: Extra-Large
The extra-large scale of architecture: continents, worlds, and beyond
The fourth and final section of the book focuses on the extra-large scale of architecture: continents, worlds and beyond . These are the elements that shape the cosmic life and experience of people in their planets and galaxies . They are also the elements that reflect the philosophical and speculative questions and visions of their authors and creators .
Examples of projects in this section: Eurocorridor, Exodus, The Generic City
Some of the projects that are featured in this section are:
Eurocorridor: A proposal for a new infrastructure network that connects Europe with Asia and Africa. The proposal consists of a series of bridges, tunnels, highways, railways, pipelines, and cables that span across different terrains and climates. The proposal aims to create a new geopolitical and economic order that transcends national boundaries and interests.
Exodus: A project for a new city-state that emerges from the secession of a group of dissidents from London. The project consists of a series of walls that enclose and isolate a portion of the city. The project also includes a manifesto that outlines the principles and policies of the new state. The project explores the themes of utopia, dystopia, and autonomy.
The Generic City: A project for a new type of city that is based on the concept of genericness. The project describes the characteristics and features of the generic city, such as its lack of history, identity, and culture. The project also analyzes the causes and effects of genericness, such as globalization, standardization, and homogenization. The project questions the role and relevance of architecture in the generic city.
How XL challenges the conventional boundaries and definitions of architecture
The projects in this section challenge the conventional boundaries and definitions of architecture. They demonstrate how architecture can operate at an unprecedented scale and scope that goes beyond buildings, cities, and regions. They also show how architecture can address issues and topics that are not typically associated with architecture, such as politics, ecology, sociology, and cosmology. These projects expand and redefine the possibilities and responsibilities of architecture.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points and arguments of the book
a linear or logical narrative, but a collage or montage of different fragments and perspectives. The book is designed to be read nonlinearly and randomly. The book invites the reader to explore and discover different aspects and dimensions of architecture.
Evaluation of the book's impact and relevance in contemporary architecture and culture
S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf is a book that has had a significant impact and relevance in contemporary architecture and culture. The book has influenced and inspired many architects, designers, students, and scholars who have followed and studied Koolhaas's work. The book has also contributed to the development and dissemination of new concepts and theories in architecture, such as bigness, generic city, delirious city, and paranoid city. The book has also challenged and questioned the conventional assumptions and expectations of architecture, such as form, function, meaning, and context. The book has also reflected and responded to the changing needs and conditions of contemporary society, such as globalization, technology, media, and communication. The book has also expanded and redefined the possibilities and responsibilities of architecture, such as scale, scope, topic, and issue. The book is widely regarded as one of the most influential and controversial works in the field of architecture.
Recommendations for further reading and exploration
If you are interested in learning more about S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf or Rem Koolhaas's work in general, here are some recommendations for further reading and exploration:
Delirious New York: A book by Rem Koolhaas that analyzes the history and culture of New York City as a paradigm of modern urbanism. The book traces the development of New York from the 17th century to the 20th century, focusing on the role of architecture in shaping the city's identity and image. The book also introduces some of Koolhaas's key concepts, such as "the culture of congestion" and "the skyscraper as utopian device".
Project Japan: A book by Rem Koolhaas and Hans Ulrich Obrist that documents the history and legacy of Metabolism, a post-war Japanese architectural movement that proposed visionary solutions for urban growth and renewal. The book features interviews with the surviving members of Metabolism, such as Kenzo Tange, Kisho Kurokawa, Fumihiko Maki, Arata Isozaki, and others. The book also includes hundreds of photographs, drawings, models, and collages that illustrate the projects and ideas of Metabolism.
Elements of Architecture: A book by Rem Koolhaas that examines the fundamental components of architecture, such as floor, wall, ceiling, roof, door, window, facade, balcony, corridor, fireplace, stair and elevator . The book is based on the exhibition of the same name that Koolhaas curated for the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2014 . The book explores the history and evolution of each element and how they relate to the contemporary challenges and opportunities of architecture .
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about S M L XL Rem Koolhaas.pdf:
What does S M L XL stand for?
S M L XL stands for small, medium, large, and extra-large. These are the four scales of architecture that are used to organize the book.
Who is Bruce Mau?
Bruce Mau is a Canadian graphic designer who collaborated with Rem Koolhaas on designing the book. He is also the founder of Bruce Mau Design (BMD), a multidisciplinary design studio that works on various projects in culture, education, business, and social innovation.
What is OMA?
OMA stands for Office for Metropolitan Architecture. It is an architectural firm that was founded by Rem Koolhaas in 1975 with Elia Zenghelis, Madelon Vriesendorp, and Zoe Zenghelis. It is one of the most influential and innovative architectural firms in the world. It has designed and built many iconic buildings and projects, such as the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, the Seattle Central Library, the Casa da Música in Porto, and the Fondazione Prada in Milan.
What is bigness?
Bigness is a concept that was introduced by Rem Koolhaas in the book. It defines a condition of architecture that transcends scale, program, context, and style. Bigness is achieved when a building becomes a city within a city, a world within a world. Bigness challenges the traditional notions of form, function, and meaning in architecture.
What is generic city?
Generic city is a concept that was introduced by Rem Koolhaas in the book. It describes a new type of urbanism that emerges from globalization, standardization, and homogenization. The generic city is not defined by its history, identity, or culture, but by its infrastructure, services, and consumption. The generic city is indifferent to its location, climate, and inhabitants. The generic city is everywhere and nowhere.
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