A Breakdown of Brad & Kanye’s Architecture

**Correction: The book 'Non-Referential Architecture' was authored by Markus Breitschmid.
Sometimes architecture is unduly influenced by the power of celebrity. Starchitects, Bilbao Effects, wealth, all have sway over the conversations architects have and what gets built. But the influence doesn’t always travel in one direction. Sometimes architecture influences celebrities. This video breaks down the complex relationship that two celebrities in particular - Brad Pitt and Kanye West - have with architecture. Brad Pitt was introduced to Frank Lloyd Wright and bought a chair. Kanye West was introduced to Le Corbusier and made an album. How do their introductions and interests lead to different paths and outcomes? It may go deeper than you think.
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Architecture with Stewart is a KZbin journey exploring architecture’s deep and enduring stories in all their bewildering glory. Weekly videos and occasional live events breakdown a wide range of topics related to the built environment in order to increase their general understanding and advocate their importance in shaping the world we inhabit.
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Stewart Hicks is an architectural design educator that leads studios and lecture courses as an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also serves as an Associate Dean in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts and is the co-founder of the practice Design With Company. His work has earned awards such as the Architecture Record Design Vanguard Award or the Young Architect’s Forum Award and has been featured in exhibitions such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial and Design Miami, as well as at the V&A Museum and Tate Modern in London. His writings can be found in the co-authored book Misguided Tactics for Propriety Calibration, published with the Graham Foundation, as well as essays in MONU magazine, the AIA Journal Manifest, Log, bracket, and the guest-edited issue of MAS Context on the topic of character architecture.
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University of Illinois at Chicago School of Architecture: arch.uic.edu/

[@gregegg-ef1kl]

I remember this lecturer made a point about these two having more influence in the architectural sphere than most students will ever contribute in their own careers, some of us got depressed 😭😭😓😓

[@th0mas_papill0n3]

Harsh reality of it, though could be somewhat motivational

[@rosezingleman5007]

There’s already so much that’s depressing about architectural practice too. When I started out in Chicago in a big firm (1980s), I noticed that most of my colleagues were clinically depressed. I went back to doing restoration work for the most part, just to escape that kind of thing.

[@arepasexo]

Conclusion: be famous artist before entering architecture.

[@weeb2606]

@randomdoodification yet he’s the richest black man in America and the most influential artist of the 21st century

[@gardenerzh0ngbase173]

@@weeb2606 Wealth isn't necessarily an indicator of great artistry, intelligence, or innovation. Most wealthy people have a high amount of ruthlessness, inheritance or exploitation behind their accumulation of wealth. Kanye is my favorite rapper and producer. His design eye is great too. But even if he was poor, I'd love his work. From my knowledge his money doesn't come from exploitation, though u never know at that level, I just think his money is not what makes him great.

[@Dev1nci]

Wow Olgiati and Kanye’s self-adoration is obviously what brought them together. Say that your architecture exists in a historical vacuum is quite ridiculous 😂😂

[@macicoinc9363]

Yeah, that Picasso line really did it for me.

[@Nick-ft4dk]

Sure but isn't there something to be said for attempting to achieve an aesthetic that tries to evoke the tone of a historical vacuum in originality. I know architecture is different than other types of art, but isn't it an interesting place to start a project (its an entirely different thing to complete a project and claim that it is so original that it draws upon nothing that has already been done because thats impossible)

[@user-ue8jp5fr4z]

Yeah, I think it’s weird that Valerio segment of the video is so brutal, the Picasso comment is an out of context joke. To mention a cult of personality not referring to Frank Gehry in this video is also wild. Historical reference doesn’t give the professional of architecture any value as seen over and over again in bad buildings. Olgiati has always expressly promoted agency, authorship and confidence in young architects, things that opposes all the aspects of this profession that are actually “cult-like”. If building from reference from the beginning is one’s speed, then there’s a majority of the industry that supports this.

[@Dev1nci]

@@user-ue8jp5fr4z Frank Gehry has a strong following because he's a pioneer in his field, the Bilbao Guggenheim is a building that kick-started an economy which was only possible because of the radical departure that the building represented from the norms by demonstrating a new level of expression not seen before. The problem with Olgiati's statement is that buildings ALWAYS reference history. If it's unconsciously then it will be undirected and random however if this fact is embraced, it will be more skilled. I don't think he's unskilled, I just think he's lying ;)

[@user-ue8jp5fr4z]

Yeah I don’t have more of an issue with Gehry, I was just confused why the tone of the video shifted so dramatically when discussing Olgiati. I guess he’s a cult figure and I know my fair share of people who consider him to be a genius. He’s not really a liar, he clearly says that his buildings are referential; this idea of non-referential architecture is a future that he would like to see/teach, not a summation of his current practice but rather his thinking and evolution. No one would deny all of our innate ties to individual and collective histories, and how that reveals itself through practice. Maybe I’m bias, but I like the non-traditional, unsentimental approach to how one uses architecture, not just it’s wrappings. I find personally that Olgiati’s discourse is on another level of awareness than Gehry currently, but this is because Gehry is so ubiquitous and has a larger, more influential practice. I also think this video sells Kanye’s practical interest and ability short, he’s incredibly influential in an interdisciplinary sense, not just rapper turned patron. I also think their shared confidence is a bit inspiring, despite not always agreeing or seeing the sense in the some of the things that each say. These are two figures that people love to hate but make the world a bit more interesting and are quite consistent in this general conversation about architecture. In regards to the video, I’d love to get beyond words like “dehumanizing” and “cult-like” and not take quotes out of context when discussing this topic on a basic academic level.

[@mikeewin7544]

Having grown up in New Orleans and studied architecture at Tulane, I was dismayed by the house designs that resulted. Not only did they not relate to the indigenous types of floor plans, references to architectural styles which evolved over 3 centuries in the area, but basically looked like cheap versions of chaotic trendy strip malls. Of course humidity and heat are the defining parameters of designing for that climate. Look to the housing which New Orleans jazz artists designed for their own community. The chaos in the years following Katrina were worsened by the momentary limelight of too many cooks in the kitchen. All of the houses look like mobile homes on stilts (which I admit is a regional style) but none went beyond just a fancy hat plopped on top of a sticks. Good intentions and investment of energy do require good management, not a bunch of primadonna starchitects.

[@colinmeneghini1390]

I feel the lower 9 would have been better served with traditional historic vernacular architecture and possibly more homes could have served those in need as a result. Like you said, there’s a reason why the typical New Orleans vernacular architecture existed for hundreds of years. So much of the resulting architecture of the Make It Right foundation felt like the buildings were designed in a vacuum. I’m all for experimentation in architecture but the residents of the lower 9 really didn’t need pop culture figures to instill their egos upon the landscape of their community (especially at that point in time). Being born and raised in this city, this project is just one of the many topics that breaks my heart when surveying/discussing the post-Katrina environment that is everyday New Orleans. And I’m grateful Stuart covered the matter.

[@diegofnu]

Yes

[@ddmddmd]

Nobody care

[@Baronnax]

@@ddmddmd ride wife, life good

[@anteluka6743]

Thanks Mike, I agree. You didn't need star architects you needed simple proven techniques and designs and maybe twice as many homes could have been built, and lasted much longer. We have a contractor up here in Canada named Mike Holmes who has educated a lot of people on the science of building and good execution. His motto is Make It Right and he did a two parter on New Orleans for Brad Pitt (I don't know the details maybe someone can chime in). I'm guessing that's where the name came from. The show that made him famous (at least up here) was called Holmes on Homes and I used to tell all my clients that you could get a world class education on probably the biggest investment you will make in your life by watching the whole series. I think we need to get over ourselves, we've fetishized our living spaces to an unhealthy degree. I suspect it's part of the reason why house prices are out of whack to incomes. Life is busy enough we don't need any unnecessary maintenance on our homes. It's time/money/energy better spent elsewhere. We are more than likely looking at a future where everything is more expensive so keep that in mind folks when buying/designing/building a home.

[@poindextertunes]

My mother and Father designed their earth contact house before I was born. Lots of windows and heat storing linoleum under the hard wood floors. They built it during the gas shortage and then sold the plans to the contractor because he showed such an interest in the design. So some where out there, theres 10-12 different houses with the same design as my childhood home. I always thought that was pretty cool of my folks ❤️

[@amyRDC]

that sounds great! anywhere where this is possible to view online? and what about that heat storing linoleum? I'd like to know more

[@stevevice9863]

I applaude Pitt's and West's interest in Architecture and their willingness to put their time and money to work to make the world a better place. I hope they can find a way to bring good design to the masses. This is something Architects have been trying to do for a long time and it is clearly not an easy thing to accomplish. As an Architect that has spent a large part of my career doing residential work, I have found that simplicity is the key to affordability. It is also the key to low maintenance...people that can barely afford a house can not afford a maintenance nightmare. I am also amazed at how bad most Architects are at residential design. Most Architects approach it as if it were a commercial building. They design details that are so far outside of the normal residentail builder's experience, that they end up costing a fortune. I know plenty of Architects that don't have an understanding of basic wood framing practices. For all of my design education and experience, (40 years practicing, including building houses), I've found that the lowly brick ranch house is one of the most affordable and maintence free designs you can buy or build...especially if it has a hipped roof. This eliminates gable ends and reduces vertical surface area that is exposed to weather. It also brings the fascia and soffit down to about 7'-8' off of the ground and can easily and safely be painted from a step ladder. It is also possible to do some very interesting and beautiful designs with this form...just look at Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

[@3abbos]

diabetes

[@alexanderpowell1528]

Hmm, design first = Rome. Perversion and absolute power that ultimately rots from within. But, if you take the slums out of people's hearts, they will take themselves out of the slums.

[@segamai]

Kanye doesn’t give a fuck about making the world a better place lol, how are people still seeing him as anything other the megalomaniac that he is?

[@Ifrekinlovecookies]

Architects are not needed for homes unless you're loaded

[@tvs9978]

@@3abbos a god whose homes were largely unlivable? I agree his forms inspire the mind but the lack of practicality makes him less than a god.

[@Mem3zzz]

Nice video also we can’t forget that Kanye worked closely with Virgil abloh who received his Master of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology and I remember in a interview Kanye said Virgil helps him by putting his ideas into something tangible or visible like art so In terms of architecture I think Kanye sees it as another way to express his ideas

[@VeneerDept]

I honestly thought that’s where they were going but nope

[@sofia_c_1]

I feel very sad that we won't be seeing any more of Virgil's work.

[@MOTIVATIONBYDAR]

You have too remember that Kanye himself is actually an artist and I don’t mean the singing or rapping type which he also is. Kanye went to an art school as well but that doesn’t get as much attention so he also already had a love for art and architecture early on in life before being famous.

[@maximeteppe7627]

I find it interesting that they lend in almost opposite places from where their inspirations start: Lloyd wright is known for high end secluded homes and Pitt ends up building everyday habitats (even though those were flawed) while Kanye starts with a guy who fantasized about mass communal spaces (though he of also built private homes) but mostly invests in his private high end habitats and compounds.

[@converse5874]

good insight

[@ecostudio1044]

Actually FLLW 's earlier fame was for his Usonian concept homes that were very affordable.

[@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944]

I commend both Pitt and West for their interest in architecture and their willingness to put their names, connections, and money to the cause, but I agree with your assessment of their results. They are disappointing. I think their celebrity status causes them to go after "starchitects", which is a mistake. Instead, how about using architectural degree programs to sponsor studio projects that can be used as springboards for their efforts. As I remember, Maya Lin was an undergraduate when she won the competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. I have seen some of her work, and she comes across as one of the most creative and socially conscious architects around. We need fewer architects like Frank Gehry and more architects like Maya Lin. PS: I see that my comment has very similar wording to Steve Vice's comment, at least in the beginning. Sorry about that. It is unintentional.

[@iamoliverblake]

I love that you mentioned Frank Gehry considering that he stated years ago that “modern architecture sucks.”, which is honestly ironic given that The Simpsons made a caricature about him in an episode.

[@gavranarh]

I'm not at all familiar with Maya Lin's work so I can't speak on that, but I'm not so sure architects should pursue "social consciousness" or how that even manifests in architecture exactly. People tend to mention this sort of thing like it's a gold star of some sort, an undefined but definite credit to their name. What it actually means is they have the correct ethics, they are virtuous and have a stamp of approval and likeminded people can expect to find some common ground in terms of shared values. While that's all well and good it does not contribute to architectural ability and is often used as a supplement or even substitute. I'm pretty sure that, while architects can be socially conscious (which is to say 'political' of a particular bent), the buildings can't. And shouldn't, moreover - political and cultural climate changes faster than the lifecycle of a building, we've witnessed this ourselves. Buildings should be contented with being useful to people who ever they are and what ever their politics may be at the time. So it's best buildings remain respectfully silent on these matters as should the architectural profession. Leave sociology, ethics and politics to disciplines dedicated to these matters - we can and should obey them, serve them, but we shouldn't be in the front lines. That's not what we do - we serve, we do not lead. Beware of an activist architect.

[@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944]

@@gavranarh I agree that "social consciousness" in and of itself doesn't make a person a good architect. Good architecture requires skill, education, and training, and all the social consciousness in the world is no substitute. However, I would argue that architects should be socially conscious too. By this I mean that all buildings should be built of materials appropriate to their environment and their purpose, with well-designed detailing and within budgetary limitations. I also feel strongly that architecture should serve a public good and not merely serve as an ego trip for the architect or the client. This is my major criticism of Brad Pitt's efforts in New Orleans. I admire his intent, but the results were disastrous because of poor architecture. It seems like every architect on the project wanted to make some sort of design "statement", but ignored the environmental and cultural factors essential to good design, and many of the buildings ended up uninhabitable, no matter how intriguing their designs were in the abstract. This lack of social and environmental consciousness led to bad architecture. The reason I brought up Maya Lin is that I am particularly familiar with one of her projects. For 22 years I lived and worked in a group-home in Yonkers, NY, for men dealing with mental illness, substance use, chronic incarceration, and chronic homelessness. We worked closely with other organizations in the area that provided services to similar clientele, one of which was The Greyston Foundation. Among its other programs, Greyston runs a very successful bakery that employs people with "difficult employment histories", i.e. the same population that we served. Some of the men who lived in our house ended up working there. Greyston retained Maya Lin to design a new bakery in 2002 just two blocks away from us. The building was built on an extremely tight budget with common industrial materials on a brownfield site that had pretty much been abandoned decades before. Lin designed the building in an ingenious manner, incorporating the industrial processes involved in the production of the bakery's products directly into the design. (This is mainly visible on the interior.) Moreover, because the bakery was in the flood plain of the Hudson River, she made sure all the equipment and generators were well above ground, even though this wasn't required by Yonkers building code. This was a very fortuitous decision. When Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, the entire area was under ten feet of water. The building needed repair afterwards, but the equipment itself was undamaged, and the bakery was back in operation after about two weeks, if I remember correctly. As an aside, I had nothing to do with this particular project, although I did work with the Greyston Foundation in the late 1990s on the conversion of an old monastery into low-income housing, so I knew many people involved in this project.

[@gavranarh]

@@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944 Thanks for a thoughtful and comprehensive reply. Reading it I realize that we see pretty much eye to eye on the responsibilities of architects, it is only that our definitions differ: I take for granted that good architecture should be as you described it, it is a prerequisite in my understanding of "good" architecture - to me it's not "social consciousness" but simple professional intelligence and competence that's manifested in the project as general awareness of the environment and people's real, tangible needs. But I guess nowadays this simple courtesy and usefulness has emerged as a thing unto itself, no longer a matter of course.

[@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944]

@@gavranarh Thanks. Unfortunately, you are entirely correct about simple courtesy and usefulness.

[@tastella]

Update: Kanye currently collaborating with the ghost of Albert Speer.

[@earlmcmanus194]

Kanye's Yeezus having taken inspiration from Le Corbusier's concrete lamp and his love for the profession helped get me into architecture. And hopefully I'll be able to build myself a brutalist house one day.

[@leonardonetagamer]

Please do not build a stinky commie brutalist house, those ruin everything around them and add nothing, there's so many beautiful modern homes that are beautiful and don't look like a brick

[@arturmizuno]

this concerns me

[@earlmcmanus194]

@@leonardonetagamer , well that's like your opinion man. To my eye béton brut is beautiful and exponentially less offensive than the vinyl siding that permeates American suburbs like a cancer. My current idea is for a duplex made of tilt up concrete in the style of an A-frame house. But yes my ultimate idea is a cantilevered cube structure supported by a subterranean garage with a glass south wall and unadulterated concrete of the rest of the building. The building and its interior featuring motifs in homage to some of my favorite designers, such as Jony Ive and Naoto Fukasawa.

[@earlmcmanus194]

@@arturmizuno , conquer your inner-Karen.

[@rosezingleman5007]

@@earlmcmanus194 I tend to agree with you. Concrete is an interesting material and concrete houses were much more common in the US a 90-100 years ago. I helped restore one years ago and it was quite remarkable. It was trying to be a “cape cod” design but I lusted for an updated version for myself for decades…And I don’t really get why people hate Brutalism either. I think a lot of it is really gorgeous, rhythmic and confrontational.

[@PowerControl]

Kanye's architecture seems more like a fashion collaboration. He has a certain inspiration and let's the designer/architect run with it.

[@alexisaguirre6349]

I have to be honest… Kanye was my introduction into the beautiful world of architecture. A musician and true visionary. Eternally grateful for all the inspiration he has provided me throughout my life.

[@user-op2bh7rc9z]

Truly one of the greatest artist of our time for that very reason, it’s more than just music and many people will sadly never know that.

[@alexisaguirre6349]

@@user-op2bh7rc9z way more than just music. Most people don’t know he quit his art career (painting) to pursue music. He is the blueprint for us nerds who love everything creative and want to incorporate all of it into our life

[@lookoutforchris]

He really reinvented the mud hut.

[@poindextertunes]

all the flowers to Kanye 💐 He’s inspired so many 💯

[@aimeeinkling]

To sum up, two rich, self-indulgent dudes decide that they're going to save the world with architecture, but both fail in different but predictable ways.

[@DeKrampus]

Thank you!

[@MisterJeffy]

You asked about other celebrities and their relationship with architecture and architects: When Julia Child, and her husband Paul moved to Cambridge Massachusetts in 1961, a few years before she published her book, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking", and became a celebrity on her show, "The French Chef", she retained the highly respected Cambridge architect, Robert Woods Kennedy, to modify an old house to accommodate her unusual ideas about how a large kitchen with two existing pantries should function. After Julia died, the kitchen was removed, and its contents are now on display at the Smithsonian. Kennedy wrote extensively on how houses function and the relationship between architects skills and a client's personal aspirations. His book, "The House and Art of its Design" (1953) was widely read by both architects and people interested in building a house for themselves.

[@tobene]

And then there is Charlie Munger who essentially pays colleges to let him design dorms like prison cells.

[@twells138]

Utopian thinking is the bane of architecture, as it is for most other disciplines. I think of the two, Brad has it more honest with the marriage of science and art to give us experience and utility.

[@CinHotlanta]

Even though I love the aesthetics of brutalism, I have to agree - it's malleable so it winds up in so many high-minded and extremely ambitious utopian plans whose buildings too often wind up underused or abandoned because they were not individually conceived in that inside-out manner, but as puzzle-pieces in some sweeping, landscape-scale plan that never seems to work out as well as the utopian notion that inspired their design.

[@sincerelyT_]

It’s always gotta be something

[@bentz98125]

@@sincerelyT_ Right on! Why does every new story of someone's architectural journey end up sounding like someone else's that came before? Good intentions and worthy causes aside, maybe all attempts to reinvent the wheel or shatter the cost/time/quality triangle end in utopian fantasy, even if that's not where they started.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@bentz98125 The intentions of architects are not always in noble in the pursuit of Utopia. Le Corbusier is a terrible person. He was outright racist and borderline fascist. This shows in LeCorbusier's overall philosophy of creating zones and segregating areas. LeCorbusier created lasting social/economical damage to France with his utopian urban planning and we're still suffering from the consequences today (i e segregation and ghettos).

[@saraeissa4954]

Kanye worked closely with Virgil who has a masters of architecture at the institute of Illinois so I think Kanye was able to make his ideas tangible and creative more than Brad

[@taliaa1710]

I stumbled upon your channel a few months ago and have been hooked ever since! Your passion for architecture and Your approach to story telling, weaving in history, science, pop culture, and also your video editing is just the best! Keep it up!

[@stewarthicks]

Thank you!

[@lzero6235]

It's always interesting to see ruling class people strive for humanistic ends via humanistic influences- only to be constrained by their class relations. EX Both Pitt and Kanye's architectural thrusts ended up employing significant union busting/circumvention tactics. I wonder what working class architecture looks like/could look like given more resources. What do you think?

[@immanuelcunt7296]

🤢

[@immanuelcunt7296]

Also to answer your question, various European villages constitute working class architecture. They're fundamentally beautiful and were built by people who could barely afford to think about, let alone build, beauty.

[@klada000]

@@immanuelcunt7296 what a great comment I had no idea how to word this and it bothered me. Yes, this

[@zteaxon7787]

Kanye proved that he really was only allowed to pretend to be ruling class when he criticized the actual ruling class and was attacked, stripped of billions for it.

[@duncanweller1]

I like that this video balances the good and bad that results from a wealthy person's idiosyncratic approach and influence on architecture. I'm a big fan of James Howar Kunstler's books, The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape, and, The City in Mind: Notes on the Urban Condition. I so love visiting Europe and being able to walk around without worrying about vehicles all the time. If you want the feel of true freedom visit mid-sized European towns and villages. It's such a release from North America's lack of humanism. And it's why Walt Disney was so successful. Once the humanist qualities of suburbs and urban rot took hold across North America, Disneyland became a place where people, especially kids could roam around freely without the worry of being struck by a car.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Those sound like great books. Thanks.

[@Piedog769]

I like how Olgiati says that his work shouldn’t be understood in the context of other historical works yet like a himself to Picasso and thus associates his work to those of a famous historical artist.

[@maximeteppe7627]

whose art was definitely a product of its time and place to boot.

[@baylenlucas8923]

"I am Picasso" I think Ogiati's high opinion of himself may be a little extreme lmao.

[@CC-si3cr]

This was surprisingly interesting and prolific. I didn't realize Brad had failures w/his housing in Louisiana. I still can't get behind Kanye's minimalism. Aesthetically it looks nice, but I wouldn't want to call that kind of design home.

[@CarlosMendoza-wi7mb]

Great video!!!, as an architect I've found so much inspiration in kanye's videos and music, Goethe once said that "...architecture is frozen music" and I think kanye knows it.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I know next to nothing about Kanye but it’s nice to see another human remembers Goethe.

[@jakobtorino9351]

This video helped me see architecture and design as more closely related. Before I saw them as twos separate art forms, like illustration and painting but now I see them more as different mediums. Like architecture is painting with oils and design is painting with acrylic

[@tomasarana8450]

This is the lamest, "im to stupid to be pretentious" comment. Have you even thought about this for a second? Or did you just want to say that architecture is like oil paiting since thats considered to be more sophisticated than acrylic? And the same goes for you Steward Hicks, you liked this clowns comment so I asume that you just came to the conclusion that songs are related to music.

[@OnlyOneGedeon]

@@tomasarana8450 you have to come to this realization at some point. I was kinda irritated by the comment too, then I remembered that I was once like that.

[@tomasarana8450]

@@OnlyOneGedeon You are right. I say dumb stuff everyday. Maybe I was a bit harsh lol. The thing is I like to go in hard, otherwise they might confuse my insults with arguments in a debate or something.

[@trowawayacc]

Design cannot save the world but it can make a world worth saving. - someone whose name i forgot.

[@oxiary]

Dang this is deeper than I thought it would go. Thanks Stewart !!

[@booksandocha]

Really fascinating, and some of the architectural work on display here made me crave for introductions to these contemporary architects that are perhaps well-known in the field, but lack the kind of brand recognition of Gehry and others. And especially on how they might approach design in different ways, through different design philosophies. Or maybe even a series on different design philosophies in architecture. In any case, stellar work as ever.

[@stewarthicks]

Love the suggestion. Hopefully this can provide a springboard for people to look into these folks if they're particularly interested.

[@yoloswagali2646]

The presentation was great! But I think you looked over some factors in Kanye’s designing. I think the interests of domes is a significant and current representation of what he’s inspired by. He designed personal domes to help his creative process, because of the unique spacing and sky like freedom in its interior. The biggest topic overlooked is Kanye’s architecture in concert and staging. Every tour or performance he has done it’s had a theme. If it was a floating stage for life of pablo, mountains in yeezus, the glow in the dark tour, and recently recreating his childhood house. His significance in stage design was new in hip-pop and inspired many artist to create a stage theme and an artistic environment for the audience engagement. Have a great day bro! Keep up the hard work.

[@Mloofylicious]

You can tell by the size of Kim Kardashian's breasts where his love of domes comes from.

[@raphi5035]

Kanye trusting Valerio Olgiati's ideas will be amazing. It will be incredible to see what Valerio will do in a larger scale. The project reminds me of Corb in Chandigarh. Ye made me go and see every building of Valerio and most of his father Rudolf Olgiati. This experience made me fall in love with architecture and was the start of many trips in Switzerland to see arch.

[@middleburyastrology]

Happy to find your channel and be a new subscriber. Beautiful video, very thoughtful approach. There is an essential part to architecture that inspires our attention the closer we examine it. I can only imagine (as this video articulates) the inertia in ideas and inspiration that must come when a celebrity has the money and time to be in relationship to built space like this. Feeling inspired.. Thank you!

[@zephanchampion1732]

One of the coolest videos I've seen in a while. Thank you!

[@qpwoeirutyalskdjfify]

interesting vid! considering your point at the end around the two not being architects, and more patrons or architecture, think it would make for a good video to look at architecture without architects. Discourse is often reduced to the professional world, but lots of interesting design is happening by amateurs and hobbyists that are operating in ways that challenge our 'design as a professional service' based model that has brought with it an inability and apathy to tackle modern problems that fall in conflict with the funding of that service. If you are interested there is lots of good writing on the topic such as jeremy till's spatial agency and Paul Dobraszczyk's recent book architecture and anarchism.

[@tabathaogost4982]

Kanye may not be an architect but he's a designer and a dam fantastic one at that. Pitt is an aficionado.

[@phpn99]

The error of their ways is that they mostly see architecture as art. Even Pitt ; and it makes sense if his mentor was Gehry. Architecture has a broader civilisational burden that being "clever", "pretty" or "inspiring" ; architecture is so deeply intertwined with civilisation that it also has to embody fundamental aspects of policy, ethics and economics : Architecture's essential situs is that of compromise, scalability, sustainability, manufacturability, affordability, as well as it has to be ergonomical, discoverable and sociable. As a play on forms, material and light, it can be friendly or brutal, subtle or garish, robust or flimsy, massive or evanescent. That is all fine, but there is more to architecture than individual building-statements, that most often big of small, have "cathedral envy".

[@gonzadiazsola]

i agree, but beauty should be at the forefront of architecture. No matter how ergonomic a building is, if its ugly, no one will want to live there.

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

My favorite architectural celebrity moment is in the movie “Mr. Blanding’s Builds His Dream House”. The movie explores the horror of purchasing designing, funding, decorating and living a new home in post war America. But with all the aggravation, what is create is the aesthetic charm-and practicality-of the iconic the New England Salt Box Styled home.

[@Ozhull]

I love everything about this video, thanks for taking the time to make this

[@jirifrancis4004]

Your videos are so original and well researched, well done!

[@jbest8902]

Something that has always interested myself as an architect within the music industry is the aspects of stage design as well as set design within music videos and concerts. Sadly i am not too affiliated with this manner but some thoughts that are brought up in terms of precedents would include the last Donda 2 album reveal. I would love to know more about this as it seems that these performers tend to recreate physical environments within interior spaces.

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Ooo, a video on theatre designs (and/or buildings inspired by theatre) would be fun to watch!

[@ecostudio1044]

Steven Holl references music in all his work. Now THERe's an architect! Rich

[@rmcgavock1]

Interesting. Have you considered doing a video on how ego and architecture go hand-in-hand?

[@stewarthicks]

Great suggestion

[@RodrigoColimodio]

Architecture can be for everyone but not everyone can do architecture. Each of us interprets architecture and design in different ways, there is no clear line that says this is right or wrong. Sure, there are certain basic principles of form, aesthetics, proportion, use, etc. But aside from that, architecture is free and experimental, where each person has their own experience and way of living it. And you can perfectly value it without being an architect. I have always had a belief: good architecture is one that balance its appreciation by both professionals and people without knowledge of the area.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Marcello Mostroianni was also an architect buff and had great influence on some projects in the suburbans of Paris.

[@stevemiller7949]

Stewart, fascinating topic and very good insight. Most of us have fantasized about being a major patron. Gehry used to be my hero. I still admire his exploration of materials and his championing of cheapness and roughness. His approach to form which I used to swoon over, I now have strong doubts about. Anyway, the ongoing debate is fascinating. Would you be willing to do a segment on modern practicioners of classical design?

[@mrheddema8675]

Nice video's and a very easy way for me (recently graduated not yet licensed) architect to keep on learning new things. Would love to see a more case study like on classical architecture! I would also like to know how you maintain building quality, to prevent what happened with the Make it Right buildings (:

[@TairaEldritch]

I just love Brad Pitt's little term, "Inhabitable Art" sounds so nice!

[@jeffreyknutson]

This is a fantastic channel! I am glad I stumbled upon it today!

[@letskissnow987]

Very comprehensive. I know next to nothing on the subject and i came out of the video feeling like i learnt a lot rather than feeling out of place.

[@victorgoossens6781]

Amazing video exactly what I’ve been looking for!

[@franciscaeuphemiakemetse7321]

Thanks so much for making architecture so much easy to comprehend.. watching from Ghana, West Africa.

[@johnl5316]

I am reminded of Hvitträsk, a mansion complex in Kirkkonummi, Finland, about 19 miles west of Helsinki. It was designed as a studio home for the members of the Finnish architecture firm Gesellius, Lindgren, Saarinen, later becoming the private residence of Eliel Saarinen. I am also reminded of Brad Pitt's craftsman home at the base of the Hollywood Hills, which he fixed up nicely but blocked from view once Angie moved in

[@robjohnson3446]

Thanks so much for the videos every week! The portion of this video about chairs and furniture being a part of the building reminded me about a question I've had of late: What's with world leaders and these huge tables? In the last few weeks there's been these shots of a particular Eastern European leader sitting 20' from the person he's meeting with at the biggest table I've ever seen. What's going on? It's something related to this furniture/space/power dynamic you're talking about here. In fact lots of "powerful" people or offices seem to rely on archicture to display or reenforce a power dynamic. It reminds me of scenes about European royalty sitting at these tables. Bridgerton comes to mind, where they "move in" to their castle, and the two main characters are visibly confused and distressed at prospect of sitting 20+ feet from each other at the ends of a long table. Just bouncing around ideas I have here ☺️

[@FAITHANDSLIME]

This was incredibly and deeply intriguing. Thank you.

[@skyevanderwalt5506]

This is amazing !

[@stewarthicks]

Great suggestion!

[@edenfeledrum1540]

That's great idea. Dune has some seriously visually imposing buildings and the way they work in tandem with the cinematography and themes of the movie is outstanding.

[@Dumptheclutchevo]

@@stewarthicks One of my all time favourite movies, is Gattaca. The architecture is amazing in that one too...

[@rosezingleman5007]

There’s an architect named Marina Coates on YT who analyzes architectural design in the movies, its relation to plot and characters, how it differs from “real design” by which she usually means vernacular domestic design. She mainly focuses on interior design. Interesting channel intended more for non-architects.

[@stewarthicks]

@@rosezingleman5007 thanks for sharing!

[@athenasblueprint]

This was such an interesting and well made video! Thank you for making it so interesting and easy to understand.

[@unstoppableExodia]

2:37 Woah that looks really cool with those lines extending from the bulkhead across the ceiling like that

[@Thecollagedon]

I been waiting for a video like this 👍 👏🏾

[@MartianBuddy]

Thank you for getting me thru my critique and schematic design

[@ronb4115]

Both have good intentions, let’s just hope they connect eventually, it’s clearly something that we can benefit from long term. I think Kanye is the better advocate and partner because of his hyper obsessive work ethic and approach to anything he’s involved with. There’s not another famous person like Kanye that is unbelievably confident in his vision, while also being extremely vulnerable. I’ve watched so many interviews with him and that’s where you really learn how his brain works.

[@CCMIMII]

completely agree

[@zenflynn]

Fascinating piece ... very soothing and nearly meditative.

[@makteko]

NO!! These are NOT Tatooine inspired 12:10 . These are the exact AFRICAN Architecture replicas. Google Zulu Huts or Swazi Huts. They just use different materials.

[@gabystARQ]

Hi Steward, loved it, very inspiring video, love this topics

[@paulinapla8541]

thank you so much for your videos, they are always excellent!

[@ryanoconnor7741]

your vids deserve more love bro!!

[@PLANTANDOBANANEIRA]

Such a cool and unique theme for a video! Loved it

[@autobanhracing71]

This was a great piece. I really enjoyed it. 👌👌👌

[@gwennhowl1179]

I bet Kanye is a big fan of WW2 era German architecture.

[@modsandendsGG-3883]

Ice Cube Celebrates the Eames is a great little video. I love it.

[@stewarthicks]

Agreed

[@Iamdigitalsleep]

Great video mind if I ask what iPad app you are using to share your drawings as you draw?

[@xavier3098]

Very cool comparison! Well done.

[@roberttaylor9259]

In arch school I ran sound for Rick Joy. Joy gave a speech and in it casually mentioned how one day Kanye got in touch with him and wanted to collaborate on a project. At the time we didn't think much of it. Either someone was just trying to name drop a celebrity in order to "hello fellow kids" or it wasn't much do it. Some time passed and nothing of note and then Kanye dropped his housing projects and renders and I'll be damned if they didn't look exactly like Rick Joy's aesthetic. The first house of course not the star wars domes. Joy was an interesting fellow and I'm glad I got a chance to listen to him.

[@Miaow610]

What a fascinating angle to look at architecture through the individual perspectives of contrasting personalities. Please do more! It'd be amazing if you collab'd with a psychologist to even further examine the role individual personality plays when it comes to architectural taste/preference. p.s As a kid I often played the "if you were a.. what would you be?" The "If you were a piece of furniture" was my favourite and you've basically done that in a grown-up kind of way with this video. Brad = Chair. Kanye = Lamp. Love it.

[@sweluhu29]

This was so good. Thanks for the information. I didn't know Pitt ventured so deep into Architecture.

[@JacksonDreyer]

Great video Stewart

[@christophermoody1448]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@Kitastroboy]

6:04 I love the shot of the studio!

[@metricstormtrooper]

Really really interesting, I've had an interest in architecture and design since primary school, but I was not in a socio demographic that let me pursue that interest, my eldest son had a similar interest and we put him through university, he is now an architect and I could not be any more proud of him, and that I have benn able to help him achieve his goal. Thanks for a wonderful chanel.

[@dzulgas2323]

Just subbed. This video was awesome

[@tylerkochman1007]

“Everything needs to be architected” sounds more ominous knowing his Hitler fandom

[@jay24july]

I'm currently on a rabbit hole watching all your videos. Love your work and I'm learning a lot. thank you

[@stewarthicks]

Make sure to come up for air everyone once in a while! Glad you're enjoying them...

[@samadiii3855]

Do you happen to know what music was used in the background of this video, I really found it appealing! This Was A Wonderful Video

[@emrazum]

This is a great video, super interesting to learn about

[@captainalpaka1551]

Your Video is masterfully constructed just like a well made house.

[@GhadyKhalil]

3:40 great memories from that train station... great memories from Montpellier ❤

[@anamarija631]

Hi Stewart, I absolutely love your videos they are so educational and especially relevant since I live in Chicago. And I live in South Shore in one of those vintage buildings from 20s. My question to you is why those buildings from 20s are always without balconies, why balcony concept was not dear and near to architects from that era and do you see any issue of having a balcony on a building that is right by the lake (aside obvious humidity). Can you please make a videos about balconies in Chicago?

[@TireSpare]

well, one of my best architecture and publicscape moment was the car design changed and very improved. I am a South Korean national living in greater seoul area. Also i am canaadian college educated one in general woodframe construction architecture fields. Here used to have a no fashionable- and rigid designed cars til Peter known as chief designer in AUDI and BMW came to Hyundai /Kia motors for the design in 2010s. He showed the perfect and high end designs within Korean car frames which are a symbols of affordable cars to the public like volkswagen. Koreans did get started to enjoy differing and futuristic car designs on every road. Also, Public service cars like Bus have got improvements as well. Another my favorite architecture moment is the fulfiled construction of Lotte World Tower Built in Seoul in late 2010s. It came to all koreans a huge capitalistic benefit and just amazingness. i do belive some koreans might have thought like, wishing that I also become very sucessful person and build some legacy like that. Every Korean got stunned by its perfect and stream lining Designs done by KPF, US Architect firm. I do wish they keep sharing the design all over the world for the better.

[@fritz4345]

That was a great critique. Thank you.

[@stewarthicks]

Thank you!

[@Lou.B]

Very interesting! I wonder what architectural impacts you would reveal from the work of Piranesi? Were his developments of perspective and the art of rendering simply as a documentarian (ie., derivative of Hans Vredeman de Vries, and Raphael) or did Piranesi make important contributions to architecture and construction?

[@milootje007]

I grew up in Belgium and knew Axel Vervoordt well as a child, he and my father were good friends and we visited the castle many times. It is so funny that he did Kanye and Kim's house, that i live in a pure MVM house in the US now as a citizen and that on top of that me and Kanye are 13 days apart in age, the world moves in funny ways. I loved your video (as always) but i wish you would have mentioned to connection between Brad Pitt and Vladimir Kagan too. Pit is also a big fan of conceptual design from designers like for instance Max Lamb, but i guess that is more design and not that relevant to this video. Thank you for your work!

[@romi9485]

3:41 wow, this is the train station of my town Montpellier, in France. I didn't expect to see it here!

[@brucewilkinson8599]

Fascinating piece on two creative celebrities that use architecture to help release their visions. Love how they take the discipline to build something beyond art, even if they lack the philosophical understanding of what makes good architecture. Loved this. Thanks.

[@christianefleurant7089]

Thank you for your video series, it's very interesting. To answer your question, I would say that I was very impressed and moved with the realisation of Daniel Libeskind, Berlin Jewish Museum. I did discover the architect and his work during our Art Film Festival of spring 2000. Thak you again from Montréal, Canada.

[@GarretRB]

Great video as always

[@hjpoloa]

Amazing conclusion!

[@meeraaudio]

Well done video!

[@talentharmony3216]

You have a calming voice

[@PhanoftheShow]

can’t believe i haven’t already been subscribed

[@jhonsmith5567]

this was blanaced I was surprised by it, good job!

[@ltandrepants]

i’m from new orleans. yeah, make it right was optics for pitt. he may love new orleans but those houses are like ikea furniture!

[@indigoinarritu6096]

I really love watching your videos Stuart. I am relatively new to your channel so I don’t know if you have answered this question before but if money were no object what would your dream house look like?

[@SnowAfterFire]

I recognize the structure from Bahrain's pearling path! I didn't know Valerio Olgiati was the architect. Great video!

[@sunnyside9273]

Great video, but you missed Brad Pitts appreciation for Wallace Neff. He has owned several Neff homes in LA. His former home in BH, CA with ex Anniston was a Wallace Neff. As well as his old bachelor pad in Los Feliz was a Neff. Subbed also, good work.

[@mfitzyyy]

loved this video !

[@briajosephs3346]

This is an incredible video. Love the chanel!

[@stewarthicks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!