What's good architecture and why the world doesn't need more star architects | Xi Zhang | TEDxZurich

For star architects, all too frequently it is all about expressing their creativity and “genius” in their architecture. But truly great architecture is selfless. It is not self-serving but about making designs that are in harmony with human nature and respect the integrity, context and tradition of each context. Zhang Xi, Chinese architect, studied in ETH Zurich and went back to China and co-founded EXH Design Shanghai in 2006. In 2016 the company expended back to Switzerland. Now she works and lives between Zurich and Shanghai, switching locations every month. In 2016 their book ''Swiss quality Chinese Speed'' - a monograph edited by Eduard Koegel is published by Jovis Verlag. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lenlenlen228]

This contents make me feel it’s okay to be ordinary and just do the best to give what suit best for the people, as long as it’s important. I think what she’s actually saying is, do the job as architect properly. Fame come second. The world needs less ego. This is my opinion.

[@almustafaaraz2073]

Yolenta Lestari that’s exactly how each of us ‘humans’ should live. The act of giving rewards us internally and nourishes our minds and souls. It doesn’t matter if we achieve fame or collect alot of money.

[@ivisgibbons6528]

Just get a career at Macdonalds then.

[@TOXWORKS]

the world doesn't need another architect with meager and selfless ambitions, we need people that will stand out to do the change, even if by their own crazy ideas. If you just want to be ordinary, then there's a whole plethora of professional work waiting for you out there, just waiting to explore you and your inner will of becoming someone. Just skip that and become someone who matters. Stop trying to live by low standards. This is my opinion.

[@gintongkalawang987]

as a Human, a specie that awares about death and future, discovering something new is always be, but being a spcie that born in a unique planet like earth,a planet that has the mix of elements so it can support million kinds of living spcies,theres a basic rule or task to do before you die, that is you must have atleast one child ,so this new human are able to resume of their parent's ideas of creating helpfull things.. as your replacement,the child must do anything for the earth to give back all you had taken. thats the rule of life cycle.😂

[@fabianabarra9916]

Love this!

[@tinashen2984]

Love it, especially when she says true architecture is selfless, bravo!

[@kdwens3043]

Tina Shen hi baby

[@LargestClassifieds]

Wow, a new paradigm shift

[@yabo2424]

Agreed 👍🏻 I know this first hand. Pura Vida

[@igorputina7909]

Mediocre architecture is.

[@DRIZNISH]

'Void is the force which shapes a space' - a fantastic perspective on design

[@emainee]

i really didnt understand this even tho i want to. could you pelase explain it to me?

[@DRIZNISH]

@@emainee She is saying that it is the importance of empty space / Void which shapes the space.

[@eon9241]

@@emainee I liked the idea of that what is built carries the same importance and ethical consequences as what is unbuilt. The fact that you can build a huge skyscraper that houses 1000 offices doesn't mean you should.

[@snehasishmahata8056]

Feng shui

[@ST-rm3bz]

That is just one of the many ways of describing the importance of “spacial quality”. Although she picked a good way of pointing out the fact (spacial quality is perceived by how our sensory system perceived what’s in between the built space around us), she didn’t invent the wheel…not at all.

[@timothyogundipe4165]

The truth is, every building should have enduring beauty and usefulness.

[@sparksmcgee6641]

No it should not. Many people don't want a beautiful home but a functional. And no, you can not have both for the same price, and most people dont have the money for both. Many people who have the money for both don't want both.

[@miyaka54]

i’m a first year architecture student and got curious about this. Now, i’m thankful i watched this. It really enlightened me

[@maybe_its_tatsumi]

I'm about to go to uni, and the title gave me goosebumps

[@55455]

2:55 "where the house is allowed to coexist" that really stuck with me, interesting thinking

[@samstocker6450]

I haven't watched the video yet but this is what I think architecture is and should be. So many people think two things about what architecture is even people who are directly related to the profession, studying or even architects themselves. 1) Designing a building simply for someone to occupy the space. 2) Something highly abstract as if to show the world how creative your mind is. These are both wrong in different ways. If you look up the best architecture nowadays they aren't just attractive pieces of art but they function perfectly within their context, economically, socially and sustainably. Of course there a situations where you may want something abstract and unique but it's for a reason and never simply "to look good". It is often to acknowledge a social or cultural aspect of the site. To possibly inspire occupancy and encourage tourism to boost the economic and financial status of the location. If you're designing a house or community building you need to understand the context in which your building. You need to know the demographics of that particular location, your client and the users of your building to determine whether your design would be socially acceptable. There are tonnes of designs on the internet and by students which on the outside may look quite impressive and shows they have amazing capability with presenting their work but the design itself just wouldn't work. The demographics, culture and environment of the location do not align with their project and thus would never make it past development phase. You need to find that balance between creative innovation of abstraction and practicality because a building without function cannot function.

[@GOUTAMKUMAR-vs3op]

The first point which u have been said is absolutely correct in India where Indian people think irrespective of their profession.

[@epona7155]

Very much agreed. Although the artistic nature in architecture is likely what inspires most youth in this field, the thing you said about practicality is never to be missed.

[@jorgexchapa7445]

She made some good points. But i do disagree with some of her perceptions. You cant simply compare the architecture of one place in a 100 year gap and not expect any change. She said it herself, architecture is like a person, and like a person, as a living thing, it has an evolution, it changes. I dont see star architects, or in that case star *any profession* as being the problem. Actually, if they make good architecture (with her definition of it) they mark an example and direction young architects with their *good* architecture

[@user-xc3li8jk9j]

As a Chinese I agree with u. We need star architects to innovate new things to incorporate the new and ever changing environment. It’s necessary and it contributes our ability to adapt to the future

[@Vikamiy]

The function of most star-architects project is an innovative shape and not the harmony of human and nature

[@firemechanic7970]

We need to evolve but without destroy the environment.

[@Simplyprax]

you don’t simply make an statements as broad as “we don’t need star architects” is really misleading, not everybody can handle a clients mind the same way, it’s really more complicated than that and a lot mote factors come in play, like space, budget and obviously the concept.

[@Joice_M]

I want to be an architect when I grow up! I first though of it when I went to Barcelona with my family, we went to see many works from Antoni Gaudí, My dad is also very curious about architecture and he knows a lot, I asked him once why he wouldn´t be an architect if he is so knowledgeable, and he said when he was younger his parents couldn´t afford it and the school he went didn´t give him a good opertunity for that career, thats why he is letting me and my brother go to a good international school bc he cares about our future. I think if I would be an architect I would make his dream come true, he would be very proud and I would be more than happy.

[@fanwangfujian]

excellent talk - a building is like a person. it matters not how it(s/he) looks but what it(s/he) does for others.

[@maksim3722]

I don't know how about you guys there where you are, but here (in Germany) we are thought that good architecture has three integral parts: "Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas"; This thing isn't new. Vitruv put it down. It does matter how something you do, looks. Which is more important is an argument, but it does matter.

[@polvogels7383]

Well tell that modern society seems to me that looks get you quite far without ever need to achieve something

[@TheArchipingoo]

Looks is an important function too. If it wasn't, why did the speaker get cleaned up so nice, put on that red lipstick and elegant dress?

[@kassavagt7393]

Can someone help me understand this whole lecture? Especially the Kyoto building part I don't really get it

[@ST-rm3bz]

Wrong. It does matter how a building looks. You perceive built spaces with all senses. I’m an architect and I can appreciate not everyone is familiar with the basic principals of design. But what she is saying I knew when I was a fresh graduate. She is just repeating in a speech with any minimally competent architect should know. She wrote a text, went there to recite it. But didn’t create any of those concepts. There’s a lot of sausage filling in TED.

[@fraufricke1589]

As a communications professional I found your description of the cultural differences in conception highly interesting. On my trips to Asia I realized that Asians have way more three dimensional advertising than Europe. I suppose that is because Asians literally see the world (and themselves in it) differently compared to Europeans and US Americans. I also liked the aspect of selflessness, that allows to put the focus on the client's needs in the meaning of him living in the building and by that making himself part of it. Thank you very much for this beautiful TED talk!

[@jumlee5215]

Ya sorry dude, as an architecture student who has studied asian history, culture and design all of this is super biased and not true. I'm surprised Ted let her speak because none of this is accurate.

[@crazyworldthis]

JumLee please elaborate so I can understand both sides of the argument. Cheers !:)

[@franciscocampana7187]

@@jumlee5215 yeah, please elaborate

[@wyckedspace9424]

Starchitects promotes more on architectural beauty or aesthetic which main purpose is to feed us with positive emotion. It make us happy which gives us uplifting energy, like a therapy.The“ look of building” is a must,just like a pieace of painting. Do not elimenate or put less value on beauty in architecture,because it has different purpose. It does not make your energy bill cheap and save economy but your heart will. Beautiful architecture give us happiness,memories and hope.Just like now ,we all staying at home, streets and establishments are unoccupied.Let this empty beautiful building serves a piece of art to cure our mental and emotional health.

[@javierpacheco8234]

So what type of architecture should we create today?

[@thexthretics]

I thought i was the only one thinking it this direction. You are absolutely correct. Let's stop wasting materials to satisfy our ego or coming generations will curse us.

[@mariano.alvear]

This is true. As a society, we get deviated for the real purpose of things. We have fallen into the trend and hype of what should be the must and the need. There needs to be a change. Architecture ultimately is a service to the user and to the society. It shapes those who interact with it. directly or indirectly. Let's not forget what is architecture instead of thinking about which architect is this. There are brilliant architects that are great, but their building should talk in a passive way. Not like a flashing disco ball.

[@user-qh5ve9vg3r]

The building she showed earlier is the work of ole scheeren. I like the architecture of ole scheeren. Her thoughts are respected but disagree. The building he created was not just created to represent himself, but rather the life of the person who communicates in the building. I think it is important for each architecture to have a language tailored to its users. Uniform architecture is only one expression of national ideas.

[@marimokid]

yeah, i really like the architecture of ole scheeren as well. though, i think her points were significant too. in ole scheeren's building, what is only considered are the users of the building and the community inside the building, but that is where it stops. with the woman's points in her talk, specifically the part in Kyoto where there is consideration for the public's need for the skies and natural visual space, i think she meant that the building of most star-architects only cater to the needs of the private community, but disregards the needs of the public who are also users of the space around the building.

[@user-vu6ko5dn7t]

Great, i was very surprised to hear something new and delightful about asian architecture. Now i know more about it😍😍

[@dishateotia9611]

I'm just a teenager who got scared by the title and inspired by the woman.

[@moon24001]

saaame just the teens chilling here next to the 10-40 year architects

[@morpheus7422]

So what has been done as reqards this speech, TEDx should be more than speeches, Lovely presentation, Can we have this philosophy spread across nations of the world?.

[@citragarden3juga]

Just take the essences of her talks, there are some good points

[@flight64]

Part of the reason is due to oppression of individuality in old china. It is difficult to innovate, create, or express. Most of the things have to follow a tradition, which eventually becomes a road block to innovation. This can apply to feng shui as well. Liang Si Cheng 's book summarised Chinese traditional architecture really well, both in its ingenuity and stagnancy. Highly recommend his book "Architecture history in China".

[@Crazyarchitect13]

Interesting perspective to view a country proud to be a collective as having an "oppressed individuality". In addition, China made a significant impact on the world's technological development and have produced numerous groundbreaking inventions, probably more than any other country in the world.

[@SamGiles]

This is brilliant. It's truly changed my perception about architecture and its impact. An immense thank you.

[@kevinjang8209]

I’m an IT Architect thinking about the best way to design a system and this Ted talk just inspired me

[@JJ-ey8ce]

I feel you can be selfless and still be unique. If we just aim to build it the same how can we progress? Do we assume we’ve done the best we could? We need people to do things really far out there to generate interest.

[@architectgilbertperez6664]

The profession of Architecture is a gift and a vocation to serve the people while upholding good principles and the desire to enhance human lives through the development of buildings and communities.

[@georgelogan1148]

Any good architect understands all this, there are also great examples of architecture and urban spaces in Europe new and old and like she mentioned examples of poor architecture and urban design in Asia! Vernacular architecture is great, not just in Asia or China but all over the world.

[@user-hh8qm4yq2x]

The important think about architecture is that they need to do well their job, a lot of bad things can happen if the architect doesn’t now how to do his or her job.

[@kylerbrunner6570]

I would argue that those "star architects" that she says we don't need are the ones that are able to make a beautiful building while still creating a powerful emotion for those who experience it in context. Look at some of the buildings by architects like Bjarke Ingles and Le Corbusier. Look at works like the Nordic Pavilion by Sverre Fehn or the India National Assembly by Louis Kahn. These people were able to connect their buildings with the context of their surroundings while still preserving the structure's beauty.

[@omarchedi]

You make a valid point! Architects like Bjarke Ingles, Le Corbusier, Sverre Fehn, and Louis Kahn have indeed created beautiful buildings that connect with their surroundings and evoke powerful emotions. It's true that great architecture can strike a balance between preserving beauty and respecting the context. It's important to consider different approaches and perspectives in architecture to create diverse and meaningful spaces.

[@naughtiusmaximus]

The world needs people-centric architecture and not render-centric. The designer should *never* be in the centre of the design - it should be the people, and environment. Blame Corbussier and all modernists for designer-centric movements.

[@fauxamy23]

"Void is a shape that fills space!" -Brilliant so well said...

[@rokeshmaharjan3791]

There are inspirational ted talks, most are for achieving goals but this calls for beauty.

[@salembellil6854]

what an amazing talk ! Living in China made realize all the things that you have been talking about !

[@jakekaywell5972]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I live in a pre-fabricated house here in West Palm Beach, Florida, a Sears-Robuck kit that my mother and I believe was originally built in the early 1930s. Regrettably, building records from long ago are nearly impossible to procure now because the county has a practice of burning their records every decade. However, even though it was a Sears kit done in the "Craftsman" style, it is clear that someone put a lot of time and care into how it was built. It feels like a proper home instead of a product. For instance, the floors are made out of Dade County pine, a wood that is now extinct. More modern structures can be beautiful, there just needs to be care.

[@ezekieldguzman1350]

"Even in darkness, a star shines the brightest"

[@avadash6775]

Iran has a great architecture history too, Asia is not only China , japan

[@sdp-sdp]

Indonesia has too

[@apoorvayadav8536]

I thought that too, even India!

[@nimrodcm9612]

That’s not the point, I think.

[@TheLifeOfMartin]

I thought she sounded racistish and malinformed.

[@jumlee5215]

@@TheLifeOfMartin she's frighteningly uninformed. I've studied Chinese Architecture and almost everything she's said is skewed. Most biased talk I've seen in such a long time, smh...

[@TheTHUSWORD]

Significance of Chinese architecture , you only heared in this lecture.

[@ahamasmiyodhah]

there is a significant chinese architecture too , every country in east has a characteristic architectural style

[@mrss_foster]

This woman spoke the truth bravely. Or at least, I linked with the idea a lot since I dissaprove of star architects. We need functional arcitecture not enormous building blocks only pretty to the exterior without any function that might improve the surroundings.

[@javierpacheco8234]

Traditional architecture should be built more in the future.

[@FrancoisHurtaud]

Great talk, we could do a parallel with Industrial design as well

[@stayinginmy_lane]

SHES JUST BLEW MY MIND!!

[@lalajean2975]

Im searching for what is architecture , im listening in this one speaker here also in tedtalk and im very motivated i was like ok i will design the most eye catching houses when i will become an architect im also planning to add this on my college interview but then this came up , its better to be a good architer rather than star architect . Architecture is like a language they say , its about you making people dream houses to reality . If they want simple then simple it is , if they want something creative then give them what they want , its about being selfless and make people comfortable and happy with their houses . Like she said its not about the look ...... Thankyou for this now i enough knowledge and understanding on what architecture is

[@saliloveniall162]

I love your mindset; even me I’m trying to take idea everywhere I can to make my knowledge on architecture increase I’m going to start school in first year of college this year

[@lalajean2975]

@@saliloveniall162 Hi I forgot I made this comment 😁😁 it has also been a year since I joined architecture school, and reading this comment of mine I saw myself doing what I said in this comment. Many of my instructors said the same things in the video. I hope your journey of being an architect will be enjoyable despite the hardships.

[@saliloveniall162]

Thank you so much it’s truly difficult for me 😔 I’m not able to concentrate well but I love it and I’m trying my best as I could

[@monstersandrebels6376]

I don't agree and let me show u why:you just cant compare Asie and Europe, the history is diferent, the nation is diferent then people aren't same and its totaly normal that architecture is growing individualy. Also, the building has to look good in some way, cause its making the place we live more comfort, more ours... Its good we dont have the same building on every corner. In the other hand i kinda agree, more important than the look is the use.

[@polvogels7383]

And what is a good looking building? doesnt make sense what you say ,the building will be beautifull to the owner but not everyone who passes it. So to one it will make the place more comfort to another one less. Architecture should be about the intigration in the place not about visual apperience. For me its best to start from interior design and go to exterior design after bcs if you build the inside in a logical, functional way the exterior will follow.

[@isartoxic3481]

i think you didn't get what she wants to say

[@bfpskater]

Her point is more about rethinking what we exactly value from a building to be in specific space. She is saying that where we draw our source for inspiration matters. But she certainly could have pointed out examples from Europe to make her point as well, which do exist.

[@PaulaRodriguesdeSPaula]

I think that architecture that doesn´t respect the history, culture, the people and the enviroment, is bad architecture, in a social point of view. In a artistic or estetic way, those futuristic buildens are great, but are not respectfull. We can make new things and at the same time preserve key aspects of the tradition. Of couse that ocident and east are not the same, that´s the thing, she fells sad that the new architecture don´t understand her culture. We at the occident are a individualistic society, and in east they are colective. I´m not saying that one view is better than other, just diferent.

[@omeuvi1639]

True. Architecture is art and culture.

[@choar7977]

amazing lecture. the speech on attracting architecture hit the bull's eye.

[@Earth098]

It's absolutely true that the world does not need star architects. However, it's not true to say that traditional European architects were 'star architects'. If you observe old towns in Europe, you'll notice most buildings looks the same, and almost non designed to stand out. Architects like Palladio laid down the simple principles to design beautiful buildings in perfect harmony and symmetry, quite the opposite to what star architects do today. So I'd say 'Star Architecture' is a much later western phenomena, created by architects who seek fame.

[@davidomego]

This like the best thing I've listened to, and I'm glad I watched it.

[@dcotai2902]

Sometimes 20/21 vision... In the end does one become a Architect to express a humanity or is it, a humanity seeking expression in Architecture ? It is time, in the end, we must all face the facts. Do we participate in a promise of debit or a promise of a shared humanity? A..calls on us to hope. B..calls on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here - the almost willful ignorance that thinks underpaid employment will go away if we just don't talk about it, or the pandemic crisis will solve itself if we just ignore the Annual leave deductions. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the lunchtime hope of the office gathering around a microwave singing Christmas carols; the hope of Hungarian and Italian immigrants from Europe setting out for distant shores; the hope of young new RIBAs bravely patrolling the Airport constuction site; the hope of the young modelmaker who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny architecture grad from Budapest, with a Hungarian name who believes that Hong Kong has a place for her, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The hope ...... ....a personal creative nonfiction ....20/21 Vision

[@RArgonChowdhury]

thanks for the inspiring words

[@Joice_M]

I want to be an architect when I´m older, just like Frank Gehry or Antoni Gaudí. I learned so much from her, Architects aren´t selfish, I actually never thought of that.

[@eon9241]

I suggest looking past Ghery, and looking past star architects in general and focus on creating the places that make people happy and world better. If you want to become a symbol or build symbols you might be in for a depressing career.

[@Joice_M]

@@eon9241 WOW, things have realy changed since a year ago. I´m actually looking foward to become a vet. Weird right? xD

[@belkibelki3862]

@@Joice_M haha what was ur last call 😂

[@Joice_M]

@@belkibelki3862 hmmm i dont rly knowww. i just started doubting myself, but also I tried visioning myself in this career in the future and I just didn't know if it was something i could do everyday of my life. I also realised how hard being an architect is. it just wasn't for me. So I looked into other careers and the things I love doing. I found veterinary science and medicine soemthing fun, I love science and animals and learning. With the bonus of helping out animals!?!?! Heck ye!! And I also have other plans for businesses and stuff I really look foward to. I just want to do soemthing I love, this way no matter how hard it is, I will have that motivation and drive to do it. Excuse my spelling and grammar xD Im rly tired rn ehehhe.

[@ajxx8574]

i love listening and watching talks like these but I really hope you guys would make it more accessible by adding subtitles. some recent talks have captions but the others don't have :(((

[@user-mu3pl5ds8c]

So I did this career mentoring session where the report showed me that the perfect profession for me would be architecture...while I hoped to get something based on science and research...I still had astrophysics 2nd to architecture but the mentor specifically signified that my artistic skills were 100 while my investigative skills at 80 ...yet I am unsure about this whole spectrum of architecture as I have never thought about anything other than astrophysics...I really am confused on what to choose...architecture or engineering..?!!

[@padminidurr8359]

Excellent concept and talk. Touched the heart. Thank you

[@nathanmoore8104]

The video starts at 7:30

[@vequi2206]

Where can I read/ watch more content from her?

[@thalissacarvalho4109]

"architecture should be selfless but take a look at one of my studio's project see how great it is"

[@jimytms5179]

I'm an arch. student and it was so helpful, and let's think about it...What if every country each person made their home on their way, when would lead to a special -individually buildings through all the country. so when everything is special then nothing is special! even traveling to other countries would be more dull! xD

[@mauricemorty4687]

they do it in third world countries already and is a mess

[@-m4nGo-]

There's only one true Architect that I respect: George Costanza.

[@kassavagt7393]

Can someone explain to me the part about the building in Kyoto? I don't really understand it

[@anamaandrew855]

As an architect I think the ideologies she communicated are mundane. No more star architects? Really? My dear architects aren't stereotyped robots and their designs can vary in concept just as their personalities differ. You can't fit everyone in a square hole. You must allow for self expression as architecture is both an art and a science.

[@leonwong7968]

anama andrew this what happens when shes a communist

[@anamaandrew855]

@@leonwong7968 , precisely...

[@tungntb]

She did not say that you gotta abandon your unique personality. The core message is just that you need to pay more attention to the negative space (for the greater good) instead of just focusing on making your building look good.

[@landdevelopersspot4604]

"As an Architect" you just echoed the very thing she is addressing. Like a doctor to a patient ..architects need to solve peoples problem without centering their need to be recognized at the center. Its not an Architect's personality than need display rather clients need and the needs of the surroundings.

[@raghavagarwal7010]

I honestly get her people-centric design approach and how that is the need of the hour, however, you cannot just bring in concepts like Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra and say that these approaches work just because they are traditional; it is like appealing to an improper authority in an argument. Moreover, this talk is almost like an irrelevant conclusion fallacy; the question was not whether or not we should follow people-centric designs but why don't we need star architects and why their work is not good.

[@speculesgorgoth7733]

arch idea inside of the building hour glass shape laid on its side with the band in the middle a concert hall x2. based on the counterspace vortex of a magnetic field you could call it the void. as a venue.

[@technorebel5415]

love her!

[@razergear]

Some parts are interesting, may be worth some thought.

[@marikitmarquez2850]

Outstanding , it really relates of harmonizing the culture and design

[@desperateeffort4132]

Am I the only one who can't name even a single architect?

[@ahamasmiyodhah]

I request the speaker to go through INDIAN ARCHITECTURE - It till date is brilliant and philosophy wise - No west architecture can superede it - Architect Niket Sunil Upase | Founder - Ahamasmi Architect .

[@simonchan4836]

I agree with her that China should not continue with their mega blocks super develoment only, I think integration of smaller blocks land ownership pattern can help bring massive cities to a more human scale.

[@gredaherrera9805]

Lo que dice es impreciso, Kyoto es probablemente la única ciudad japonesa en donde tienen las restricciones que menciona, estas se instauraron después de los 60 cuando ya habían construido masivamente edificios altos.

[@ALBERTO30114]

Very interesting concepts. I do agree. Brava!

[@BIGFATMANTRAS]

Very Valuable insight

[@saatvik-agrawal]

Interesting thoughts

[@Joice_M]

I have a question, I want to be an architect when I grow up but What does an architect do?! Do they make designs for building? Do they build? And what do they do daily? Is it a full time job? Do you just design houses or buildings?

[@panicatthecostcofoodcourt6920]

It is all those things, most of the time is spent designing, but most architects work closely with builders and spent alot of time on-site. You do have to go to school and be certified to become an architect, but it's fun!

[@Joice_M]

@@panicatthecostcofoodcourt6920 YAY! Thank you for the reply! Have an epic day! Stay safe!

[@manuelgranja2]

There are 2 sides of the story, both architectures are necessary. She said creativity and star architects are not necessary, but China now have concrete high-rise buildings, copied from europe/america creativity. Societies need a balance, and i agree that an architect can choose the path for not been an STAR ARCHITECT.

[@sammiputh]

The ideas are intriguing and I agree on architecture being selfless, but the way she only compared European architecture with buildings in China just isn't justified. Her talking also comes off quite offensive and self-promoting.

[@moon24001]

Yea I’m just a teen and I wished she brought in south asian or middle eastern architecture, maybe her focus was as that country is where she’s most knowledgeable in

[@harijs9943]

wow, which one was the architect of Corona Virus ?

[@chanjuyang4203]

Well, I agree to most parts, but some images of Chinese architecture like the palace might not be as selfless, because those are built by huge number of slaves and they were treated very poorly. Also, the asking the direction on the street part seems to be a matter of linguistics, not necessarily Europeans speaks selfishly than Chinese. There are many considerate architecture in Europe as well especially residences. I think she cleverly chose and compared good architecture from Asia and bad architecture in Western. Also, do you know how toxic the Japanese architecture field to newly entering architects and interns? (they rarely pay the interns and explicitly say that in the offer letter) Japan is the Asian country with MOST star architects.

[@ST-rm3bz]

She lost me in the first 3 minutes, when she claims that china knows better than anyone else. Chinese are not self-centered? Yeah right...

[@yanwong8851]

I think she just meant that saying go left go right is relative to the person, where as north south etc is relative to the geological location of the city, but I guess if you dive deeper I agree Chinese people are definitely not the most selfless

[@marvina.3923]

well not as self centered as Americans

[@ST-rm3bz]

@@Lydiafrom exactly. Arrogance and lack of self-awareness can be often perceived when one uses superlatives: “the most” “more than everyone else” “only us/me” “no one does like we do”. I say: shut up already!

[@alotero8320]

Her education should have included Kahn and Venturi- it's too bad their influence in the profession has faded.

[@kemallo4590]

i never understood the big architecture buildings, whats in them?

[@solomonharrison5045]

*Yansong Mad has left the chat*

[@vinayyadav6574]

Lol

[@user-xc3li8jk9j]

Solomon Harrison lol yea as a Chinese I don’t like most of his design, can’t even lie

[@shifty7082]

Haha, facts.

[@menawogu220]

Very ambitious

[@rochellespencer6727]

Why does the audience not seem to "get" her jokes? She's thoughtful but also funny.

[@markkatsdesign]

Site Research, aesthetics, combination. First one is obviously missing in many projects.

[@conversacionesconmipadre]

So true

[@MrAndrewirvin]

wonderful!

[@marktalley2550]

Exceptional. 🙏👏👏👏👏🙏

[@balajeevenkateshwaranipjoj4393]

Good speech.

[@aoisky5475]

And by the way. Chinese architects are not recorded for their work back in the days was because they not highly respected or important enough to be recorded in the Chinese history unless your in a higher position like the emperors and poets. There is a whole hierarchy in Chinese culture back then. Architects probably isn’t called architects back then, probably like carpenter or builder. Someone who does the labour and the design. So it’s not that they are selfless that they don’t want to be known for their work.

[@InfinityHomestudios]

Love it.

[@foton3986]

if you see an amazing design you would like to know it's designer theres nothing wrong with that

[@Grapefruit_cosplay]

As an architect myself, while some personal recognition and admiration related to your work is welcome , I think her point is that architecture should be considered great for its USE not it's author. Not that an architect cannot be great or admired, but that you shouldn't create with the goal of making yourself famous.

[@smallstudiodesign]

To design is to serve - that’s at the core - it doesn’t mean aim for mediocrity ; still aim for the best & high standards - but also provide dignity to ALL >> no matter what the socioeconomic demographic of the end user-occupants - Also it means it’s high time the era of ego-driven, megalomaniac Architect ends - as that obsolete attitude of arrogance won’t solve humanity’s collective world problems. • Unfortunately, those handful of us privileged with über-elite clients will continues to crank out architecture on steroids with engineering gymnastics created exclusively to satisfy the lifestyle fetishization of 0.1%. • • • ie. Swiss-French Architect, Le Corbusier became a better architect as he matured and let go of all his grandiose megalomaniacal masterworks - abd settled down with humility to create a chapel for some nuns in northeast France ...

[@mungbean6693]

Tbh I don't think giant buildings are all that bad, it is all about balance. A good city should offer a variety of different scales and styles. Some buildings can be more human scale and leave the void to people, others can be landmarks to make a kind of impression just like giant mountain-scapes in mother nature does, nothing wrong that human can create giant things too. It's only bad where the balance is gone and you have too much of one particular scale. A good architect should also be capable of designing both scales imo

[@wobblybobengland]

We need to get back into the garden

[@CinereousDove]

We need to make space for gardens, in the first place...

[@weixiang1048]

It’s a good dream or direction we should work towards. However, it is terribly hard and takes a lot of time. There is a reason why those high-rise buildings are there. It is undeniable those high-rise buildings once solved some problems. To change the status of current architecture industry, there should be a economic reform. This economic reform shall change the way we live and do activities entirely so that we don’t need to work at the same place, shop at the same place. Otherwise, there always be building convergence after population convergence.

[@menawogu220]

Wei Xiang high rise buildings are causing Climate Change

[@weixiang1048]

Mena'ah Wogu True! Sustainability is vital in architecture design these days. The idea of using vertical farming technology is becoming more popular in architecture. The bad news is, running a vertical farming company is expensive and risky. But the good news is, there are still new companies developing architecture projects related to vertical farming. Maybe in the near future, having an eco-city will be a reality.

[@aoisky5475]

There are some points that I agree and disagree on. Okay so ...self centred? What? European architecture history, philosophy, culture and society and materials are different. It’s not something you compare with Asian architecture to raise a statement that “Star architects are bad and builds self centred buildings” not all of them are, you cannot speak for all. Europe are known for their architecture and so is every other country has their unique history, culture and nature. This lady should focus on raising the crisis China have with ongoing and endless Skyscrapers, environment and air pollution which she suggests Feng Shui philosophy should be often used. But Don’t blame on the said so ‘Star architects’ from other countries.’ Chinese architects now influenced by Western architecture creating endless self centred skyscrapers for the economy.... I know she isn’t saying this out loud but strangely feels like she is hinting that way, nicely. Feng Shui is good philosophy and should be practiced more often in architecture, she should focused more on this particular topic and how it can change the future for the better. :) that is all.

[@Behjafry]

Whatever Architecture is..It is certainly not a physical being, (or else it would owe a lot of people a lot of money ;) ). Anyone trying to anthropomorphize a field of study, should face this objective question, maybe poor old Mr. Architecture doesn’t need this right now

[@ganeshkiranmalladi]

I guess many other countries exist in Asia like mine india which has wonderful structures apart from it i agree with whatever discussed

[@fafaOTR]

Superficial complaints.

[@nathancoffman3025]

ifan She’s propaganda for the engineering team!

[@kemallo4590]

i like the neighborhoods in japan, who designed them? are they called building designers?

[@marimokid]

they're called urban planning designers (or master planners)

[@kemallo4590]

@@marimokid oh, whats the requirement to be be one? a bachelors degree in architecture ?

[@marimokid]

@@kemallo4590 you need a bachelors degree in architecture or landscape architecture or urban planning (or any other related fields)

[@u-tubeeditor6696]

"the Frog/Hawk" [all in 1 combo] ***Condominium - Services - Clinic - Library - Post Office - Theater - Temple - Technical School - Warehouse/Storage - Greenhouse - Bus Terminal - Public Swimming Pool***

[@arayahomes4308]

Incredible, I love this womans perspective and I quite agree. I think it is quite complicated too though. I think we need to find ways to lower the worlds popluation, obviuosly by reducing the amount of children a family is allowed to have, that is the solution. However as populations rise, we will need room for more people, building up in that sense makes a lot more sense but I can definitley see the downsides and how things become discconected in many ways by doing so. This was thought provoking.

[@jamesskinnercouk]

Fantastic talk, fantastic concepts.

[@cores.8988]

amazing lecture, thank you so much for sharing

[@edmcafee9332]

Powerful