Title: 160.000m2, An eerie calm
Artist: Zindzi Zwietering
Designer: Ines da Costa (inesthecoast.com)
Editor: Zindzi Zwietering
Printer: Drukkerij Tielen, Boxtel, The Netherlands. ( http://drukkerijtielen.nl/ )
Publication date and place: July 2016 / Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Edition: 150
Format, binding: Softcover, doubled & grey stitching
Size: 17×24 cm
Number of pages and images: 72 pages / 45 images
Type of printing and paper: offset / 170 g/m2 MC Gloss
Retail price: €29,50
Book Description:
This book is a visual reflection on modern architecture and citylife, as I reflect on the building ‘The Rotterdam’ by Rem Koolhaas.
A mass of huge grey tower. A mass of people. Living, working, staying, eating, meeting and sleeping. A vertical city. A machine. People move from A to B. This is the most densely populated land in The Netherlands. Giant elevators, never-ending escalators. De Rotterdam.
De Rotterdam was finalized in 2013, and is designed by the O.M.A., the famous architectural firm of Rem Koolhaas. The design of the building match theories of Rem Koolhaas about the generic city perfectly – as if you are walking around in the visualization of his theories.
“The generic city is nothing but a reflection of present need and present ability. It is a city without history. It is big enough for everybody. It is easy. It needs minimal maintenance. If it gets too small it just expands. If it gets old it just self-destructs and renews. It is equally exciting -or unexciting- everywhere. It is “superficial” – like a Hollywood studio lot, it can produce a new identity every Monday morning.”
Koolhaas discards the physical reality from its value; as if it is discarded as meaningless. Every space is a passage; and not a place to stay and bond. He creates spaces where he forces people not to create a connection with their environment. Does Koolhaas discard the physical reality from its value? And if so; what does this say about the time we live in? “The generic city is always founded by people on the move, poised to move on.”
Book Soundtrack:
- Title: 160.000m2, An Eerie Calm