Taken Out of Context

Throughout history, architecture has been influencedby other disciplines and cultures, withcountless ideas taken out of context, time and timeagain. Examples range from the Italian’s influence onFrench architecture during the sixteenth century toLe Corbusier’s recording, and eventual remixing, ofrailway sleeping cars that he encountered during histravels abroad.1 These sparks of inspiring design ideasoften emerge when the architect takes a momentto pause, wander and ponder outside of the studioand the discipline. For instance, the Swiss ArchitectPeter Zumthor finds flair in the work of artists likeJoseph Beuys and the Arte Povera group. He states,“what impresses me is the precise and sensuous waythey use materials. It seems anchored in an ancient,elemental knowledge about man’s use of materials.”2 The following text reflects on various examplesof creative practices and products that explore theidea of being “taken out of context” in both a physicaland disciplinary sense. This conversation stemsfrom my recent experience as an Artist-In-Residenceat Baer Art Center in Hofsós, Iceland.

Volume Editors
Urs Peter Flueckiger & Victoria McReynolds

ISBN
978-1-944214-16-6