Issue #4 Production of Added value
This issue of CONDITIONS is an investigation into the production of added
value in architecture. The economic crisis has put architecture under
increased pressure. Everybody wants “more for less” from architecture.
The promise of “more” is everywhere in the world of architecture. Architects
are in danger of getting reduced to mere service providers, unless they are
able to increase the ambition beyond the given assignment. In most countries,
citizens pay tax, or VAT, for healthcare, social services, education, and to
contribute to society in general. It is a system taking care of, and ensuring the
welfare of the citizens. What is the VAT of architecture? Should the architect
take on the moral responsibility of securing the common good? Ambitious
architecture goes beyond the primary needs of shelter and buildings, always
trying to climb the peak of the Maslow pyramid, satisfying needs and questions
never expressed. In this perspective, architecture is a surplus phenomenon,
sometimes even a sign of excess. What is the right, or appropriate, strategy to
ensure the production of common values within architecture? The articles and
interviews in this issue of CONDITIONS offer many different perspectives
and opinions on the production of added value in architecture. Together they
form a multidisciplinary approach to the theme. Topics covered include the
economic value of architecture as production of surplus; the social re-
sponsibility and engagement of the architect in ethical terms; possible new
public dimensions of architecture; the non-standard solution as a right to
difference; historical heritage as cultural surplus; as well as practical solutions
for achieving more with limited resources.
CONTENTS
EXTRAORDINARY REALITY
Anne Lacaton interviewed by Lisbet Harboe
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Jørn Holme – director of Cultural Heritage in Norway, interviewed by Tor Inge Hjemdal
PROSPECT OR PAIN
Article by Marianne Stang Våland
NUMBERS
What’s in it for me?
PROBLEMATIZING THE QUESTION
Article by Isabelle Doucet
POLITICAL METRIC
Article by Justin Fowler & Dan Handel
POLITICS OF PATIENCE
Article by Filipe Balestra
THE VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE
Article by Matthew Lynch
ROME AND INFORMAL COMMERCE
Article by Saeran Vasanthakumar & Kam-Ming Mark Tam
LEARNING FROM THE MARKET
Article by Markus Miessen
FREE VALUE
Article by Sten Gromark & Katrin Paadam
TRADING ON ALTERNATIVE CURRENCY
Article by Irene Hwang & John Szot
CULTURAL TRANSGRESSION
Bergen Architecture School in Mosambique
FIELDS AND FORCES
Article by Ole Møystad
THE MEANING OF LIFE
Article by Jo van der Berghe
THE FUTURE AGENCY OF DIGITAL DESIGN
Article by Jonas Runberger
USER CENTERED ARCHITECTURE
Article by Future Fields
THERE IS NEVER A RIGHT TIME FOR DISSENT
Norwegian philosopher Arne Johan Vetlesen interviewed by Anders Melsom
THE FUNCTION OF ARCHITECTURE
Farshid Moussavi interviewed by Boris Brorman Jensen
