BLINK-SUBWAY
screen wall and dance performance by K.Sakamoto
(a part of architectural installation titled gmeaning-less architectureh by Rashid Studio at Columbia University, 1994)
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Mr. Rashid was my teacher at Columbia University, and I also had a chance to work in his office as an intern in 1994. His works and words always gave me great inspiration and influence. His lecture was held at American Center in Tokyo on 26 January, and I was deeply impressed to see his powerful works, which prove that his broad and radical thoughts continue to challenge conventional views on architecture. It was a great pleasure to talk with him again after ten years, and felt that he is one of truly creative people whose passion and energy to observe, think and create will never cease with time.
He became known to the world by winning the Los Angeles Gateway competition in 1988. (The model is currently exhibited in “Arch Labo” exhibition at Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills.) His other works are published in various books and magazines, and also shown in the Asymptote web-site. http://www,asymptote.net
From early days of his career Mr. Rashid was interested in information technology and cyber space. In this lecture he presented his broad view on architecture and information technology. In summary he mentioned that (1) information technology reflects social changes, needs and desire of people, and advancement in information technology has had great effect on architectural development. (2) he perceives that information is a part of ‘landscape’ surrounding the society, as well as light, wind and earth etc. I think that these aspects precisely reflect architectural movements of today.
His design process freely cross the border between the virtual and the real, and it goes beyond the limits of computerized simulation process. His virtual architectural projects, such as the Guggenheim Museum and the NY Stock Exchange, give viewers such powerful spatial experience. His recently built work, Hydra-Pier in the Netherlands (also exhibited at the Arch Labo show), shows amazing architectural expression, with its dynamic spatial velocity.
By experiencing powerful architecture with five senses of out body, we discover a new horizon and begin to see and do things in new and better ways. The above photographs are a installation of Rashid Studio at Columbia University in 1994, entitled “tourism / meaning-less architecture.” My project was “subway / blink”, starting from observing passing subways and adapting my spatial experience into design of screen wall and choreography of dance performance (in collaboration with Luka Kito.) This project with Rashid Studio had taught me important basics: architects always need to look into various phenomena around us, think what needs to be improved or changed, and convert one’s thoughts into powerful architectural experience. And in this lecture at the American center Mr. Rashid has again reminded me that it requires much creative energy, passion, and constant curiosity for surrounding phenomena, to keep producing powerful works as architect. |
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