AD Interviews: Peter Eisenman

ArchDaily's full interview with one of the most influential contemporary architects, Peter Eisenman. Architect, educator, and theorist, internationally recognized Eisenman was a part of an important generation of architects and popularized amongst the general public when he was exhibited at the MoMA in 1969 as one of the New York Five.
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[@aytenhuseynli3533]

Eisenman's recommend who wants study architecture school: "Instead of going architecture school,first,I would certainly get an education,that is learn language,learn history, learn philosophy, learn literature,all of the kind of other thing,necessary to make decision in life then I would go on study architecture".

[@jewelrybag4557]

while I have tremendous respect for this man, I feel architects do assist in tangibly solving social problems like designing affordable social housing projects, sustainable communities, physically manifesting the political and cultural will of the people, creating memory, creating culture. These are all things that assist in evolving a nation and people.

[@rr7firefly]

When I was in architecture school I did a four-week project in which I designed emergency housing for earthquake ravaged zones. The project was directed at communities in third world countries, where a technological intervention would be much appreciated. The structures were lightweight, easily transported in their pre-assembly forms and they required no special tools to put together. One of my professors, an egotistical poseur, scoffed at this socially responsible design and told me haughtily that I had a "Messiah complex."

[@lucaspbertoli2709]

or at least designing huge cultural cities that works as it, and is not a 400 million euros abandoned building... i mean, you dont need to be a Aravena to be a social problems solver, you have to think social to do not create those problems.

[@lizshares8372]

I think maybe he said that because where he was living or so people have already done projects like that, but looking on the other side of the world something like when Alejandro Aravena who solve housing issues and really get funds for it or Someone like Shigeru Ban who help in relief operations in building temporary shelters.

[@earlh]

I just started studying architecture, very encouraging at 6:09 question Mr. Eisenman.

[@lizshares8372]

Respect to Ar. Eisenman on your beautiful architecture, but yes just like one comment below, I also do believe that architects have a great importance and contribution to the society, well most especially to the rural areas, or well also in the urban areas solving issues like congestion , lack of clean air and such, and solving environmental issues arising today -- in which we can incorporate ecological designs and such and apply green building technologies in designing buildings. But I think maybe he said that because where he was living or so people have already done projects like that, but looking on the other side of the world something like when Alejandro Aravena who solve housing issues and really get funds for it or Someone like Shigeru Ban who help in relief operations in building temporary shelters.

[@bassentfisal]

nice point of view innovation could bring more products for consumption and architecture shouldn't drifting to that

[@filippovincenti]

parole sante. bravo Peter l architettura per se stessa.

[@Dalv3s]

I do belive in Eisenmans philosophy, architecture may solve human problems, but that shouldnt be the goal, whitout architects thinking like him about the complexities of the discipline we wont have progress in the architectural field, soo it makes sense to me the claim that he makes, architects should in fact work on solving the disciplines problems, and how can we as architects solve human problems if we cant solve the our disciplines problems? we are still trying to find out, what architecture is, and can be!

[@khaledbenaida5676]

I love this guy

[@rr7firefly]

Whatever criticism one might direct at Mister Eisenman, his office is basic nuts-and-bolts -- no trendy or affected design flourishes. I am of mixed mind about that. Maybe those employees would appreciate some architectural delight in their bland work atmosphere. From the classic Vitruvian architecture trio, the "venustatis" = beauty.

[@yangpolito25]

i suggest you through you in some competitions during your study, that is very good way to challenge ur self and develope your skills and compare you with others u will do go

[@zakilight4900]

it's house VI not house IV at 3:03

[@sirankleknocker3122]

All the Architecture in the world has not solved hunger, homelessness, war, violence etc...so he has a point..

[@earlh]

@yangpolito25 thanks for your words, it was actually pretty hard to get in the state University here, we had a hard competition. I hope I will do good :)

[@yangpolito25]

@NetworkOfWondersNOW so congratulation for your result , you'd done a good beginning :D . i dont know if you play instrument or do painting, but if you do, you should enjoy study it as play your hobby ( with more attention) what he say just mean that we need a broad understanding about other subjects as history, sociology ect.... as architecture reflects them all, u will get them at school too,

[@wjcolclasure]

love the students' outrage caused by their inability to distinguish between architecture and buildings. this guy is way more educated, more intelligent, has influenced more people, and has built more projects that are his realized vision than any of you commenting. sorry, but that's the truth. you can think he's a jerk, but you will be the one building apartments in revit, while he does whatever he wants.

[@95GuitarMan13]

William C - Sure he's intelligent, but that doesn't mean he has a good philosophy. Sure he's inluential, but that doesn't mean he's a good architect. Sure he can do whatever he wants, but that doesn't mean he's doing anything worthwhile. Fame is not value.

[@yangpolito25]

@NetworkOfWondersNOW dont worry about what he say :D i'm 3rd year student, i would say it is very hard to study well, and damn busy but if you love it, then u get it through well. ;)

[@apurvkashyap35]

asusual... u turn up to an influential figure for some clarity of thoughts and they either refuse to comment or spell out a vague and even more confusing statement :D

[@drew31805]

WHAT ??? NOT SOLVING HUMAN PROBLEMS??? WHAT KIND OF AN ARCHITECT IS THIS GUY! IT NEVER CAME INTO MY MIND BECAUSE I AM AN ARCHITECT TOO!

[@roiferreach100]

yeah! I do not understand why he said that. architect should help people.

[@Rm-mq2qg]

Hes peter eismann

[@roiferreach100]

architect can solve problem, design in architecture can be shaped to help people, I disagree with self absorbed discipline

[@AlbertoBortolottiab]

Peter Eisenman is a genius

[@vestfoldify]

wtf are u talkin about, architecture is all about solving people problems, and helping communities through design,

[@Hairboy01]

Wow I thought this would be quite a helpful video with a wise, experienced professional bestowing advice. Actually, he was a grumpy old git. *Crosses Yale off of list of potential universities*

[@petre123456]

cins yaa 1 tane duzgun cvp vermedi --- old & so mad about sth :D

[@oscarreid208]

Submersive.

[@terranceb.torrct1461]

Mr Eisenman, were your parents wealthy?

[@hiphophangovers]

This entire episode is lined with contradictions. i particularly like the quote 'architecture isn't about solving human problems'. , what a stupid man.

[@khaledbenaida5676]

yes Architects do not solve problems, I totally agree

[@camerondowse668]

Postmodernism is riddled with contradictory statements, deconstruction is a system of contradictions.

[@bassentfisal]

i don't agree with him , architect do have a big role in society solving or more than that in preventing some future problems

[@barsbatbold3393]

who the heck is hiring this guy to make a building. he is just gone nuts

[@imblinked182]

What a ridiculous guy..

[@morrossey]

we need to stop listening to this guy. his ideas are going nowhere.

[@johnnylee8194]

Smug applied art major masquerading posing as deep thinker

[@jorgeburgos8169]

"...I don't think architecture is about solving human problems at all...We do culturally necessary projects" Scary and nonsensical, from the man who puts empty theories before basic human needs. #inception