Jean Nouvel Interview: Architecture is Listening

Louisiana Channel

30 Jan 201410:42

Summary

TLDRThe speaker reflects on their experience studying Arab architecture since 1981, highlighting the integral relationship between Arab and Islamic architecture and geometry. They discuss the importance of light and geometry in their designs, as seen in projects like the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The speaker emphasizes the significance of context, history, and culture in architecture, advocating for buildings that are rooted in their location's heritage while also reflecting contemporary influences. They stress the need for architects to understand and respect the local culture and history, creating buildings that are not only functional but also symbolic and representative of the time and place.

Takeaways

🏛️ The speaker studied Arab architecture deeply since 1981, focusing on the relationship between Arab and Islamic architecture and geometry.
📐 The speaker emphasizes the strong connection between Arab architecture and geometry, often linked to Islamic abstraction.
🌞 The speaker highlights the importance of light in Arab architecture, noting its role in defining spaces and the interaction with geometry.
🏙️ The speaker discusses specific projects like the Tour du Qatar and the Institut du Monde Arabe, illustrating the use of geometry and light.
💧 The relationship with water is also a significant theme in Arab architecture, as seen in the Institut du Monde Arabe's water features.
🌆 The speaker mentions the challenge of preserving identity in the face of rapid economic and touristic development in Arab countries.
🏙️ The speaker believes that architecture should reflect the context, history, and culture of the location, rather than imposing global models.
🌟 Architecture should be contextual, with each building having roots and connections to its environment, according to the speaker.
🏛️ The speaker advocates for architecture that continues a historical narrative and intervenes in that history, rather than starting from scratch.
🌍 The speaker sees architecture as a means to understand and express cultural connections and sensitivities across different civilizations.
🔄 The speaker stresses the importance of considering the historical and geographical context, as well as the cultural moment, in architectural design.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first major work upon the arrival of François Mitterrand?
-The speaker's first major work upon the arrival of François Mitterrand was studying the Institut du monde arabe in 1981.
What is the relationship between Arab architecture and Islamic architecture as mentioned in the script?
-The relationship between Arab architecture and Islamic architecture is that they are often linked, with both showing a strong connection to geometry.
How does the speaker describe the Arab world's attitude towards geometry and light in architecture?
-The speaker describes the Arab world's attitude towards geometry and light as a game, where both elements are intertwined and essential in the design of buildings related to Arab countries.
What was a notable feature of the Institut du monde arabe's façade in relation to light and geometry?
-The Institut du monde arabe's south façade featured a filter that qualified the entire building through light and geometry.
How does the speaker relate the concept of water to Arab architecture?
-The speaker relates water to Arab architecture by mentioning a water feature at the Institut du monde arabe, where water was channeled into small gardens, creating a geometry associated with water.
What is the speaker's approach to designing buildings in Arab countries?
-The speaker's approach to designing buildings in Arab countries is to continue the historical and cultural narrative, ensuring that the buildings have roots and are not just integrated into the site but also into the broader historical and cultural context.
What is the speaker's view on the role of context in architecture?
-The speaker believes that context in architecture is not only about the site but primarily about the broader historical and cultural context.
How does the speaker address the challenge of preserving identity amidst rapid development in Arab countries?
-The speaker believes that architects should remind clients that construction is not a blank slate and that there are historical and geographical burdens, as well as a rich cultural heritage that should inform the design.
What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of reflecting the local culture and history in architecture?
-The speaker emphasizes the importance of reflecting local culture and history in architecture, stating that buildings should be symbolic points of reference that are rooted in the local context.
How does the speaker view the role of the architect in the face of globalization and the replication of global models?
-The speaker views the role of the architect as crucial in preserving identity and modernity, advocating for the creation of unique designs that are not simply repetitions of global models.
What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of architecture in fostering cultural understanding?
-The speaker believes that architecture plays a significant role in fostering cultural understanding by expressing sensitivity and abstraction that can be universally understood, thus creating links between different civilizations.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Arab Architecture and Geometric Harmony

The speaker reflects on their studies at the Institut du monde arabe in 1981, which coincided with the arrival of François Mitterrand and the beginning of significant architectural projects in France. They delve into the relationship between Arab and Islamic architecture, often intertwined, and the profound connection to geometry. The speaker's work, including the Tour du Qatar and the Institut du monde arabe, showcases this relationship through the interplay of geometry and light. The façade of the Institut, for instance, acts as a filter that defines the building through light and geometry. The speaker also touches on the importance of water in Arab architecture, as seen in the water staircase at the Institut du monde arabe, which integrates water into the building's geometric design. The speaker emphasizes being a contextual architect, focusing on the broader historical and cultural context rather than just the site, and the importance of continuing the narrative of the region's architectural history.

05:04

🌐 Cultural Sensitivity and Architectural Identity

This paragraph delves into the speaker's philosophy of architecture as a form of cultural expression and testimony of a given historical moment. They argue that architecture should not be a mere imposition of the architect's values but should reflect the desires and sensitivities of the people and culture it serves. The speaker discusses the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of a project, including the current epoch with its new technologies and techniques. They highlight the challenge faced by Arab countries, particularly the Emirates, in maintaining their identity amidst rapid economic and touristic development. The speaker emphasizes the architect's role in reminding society of the historical and geographical burdens and the rich cultural memory tied to the desert, the sea, and religion, advocating for unique architectural expressions that resonate with local culture and history.

10:04

🌟 The Battle for Identity and Modernity

The final paragraph focuses on the struggle for identity and the importance of modernity in architecture. The speaker believes that architecture should not merely repeat global models but should be a testament to the times, reflecting the current era's unique characteristics. They argue against the parachuted architecture that lacks connection to the local context and culture. Instead, the speaker advocates for architectural designs that are symbolic and meaningful, serving as landmarks that resonate with the Arab identity and the desert environment. The speaker underscores the importance of creating buildings that are not only functional but also carry a sense of place and time, contributing to the cultural narrative and the ongoing dialogue between different civilizations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Arab Architecture

Arab Architecture refers to the design and style of buildings and structures that are influenced by Arab culture and traditions. In the video's context, it is tied to the speaker's studies and work experiences, particularly with the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Tour du Qatar. The speaker emphasizes the relationship between Arab architecture and geometry, as well as its connection to Islamic architecture, highlighting the importance of light and shadow play in these designs.

💡Geometry

Geometry is a fundamental aspect of Arab and Islamic architecture, as mentioned in the script. It is used to create intricate patterns and designs that are often associated with abstraction and artistic expression. The speaker discusses how geometry is integral to the perception and construction of Arab buildings, such as the Tour du Qatar and the Institut du Monde Arabe, where light interacts with geometric patterns to define the space.

💡Light

Light is a key element in Arab architecture, as it interacts with geometric designs to create dynamic spaces. The script mentions how light is used in the Institut du Monde Arabe through its south façade, which acts as a filter, and in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where it is orchestrated to create a 'rain of light.' This use of light is a recurring theme that enhances the sensory experience within these spaces.

💡Islamic Architecture

Islamic Architecture is a style that incorporates religious and cultural elements of Islam. It is often linked with Arab architecture due to shared aesthetic principles, such as the use of geometry and the importance of light. The speaker's work and studies involve both Arab and Islamic architecture, indicating a deep exploration of the cultural and artistic connections between these styles.

💡Contextual Architecture

Contextual Architecture is a design approach where buildings are created to be in harmony with their surroundings, both physically and culturally. The speaker identifies as a 'contextual architect,' emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical, cultural, and geographical context of a project. This approach is evident in the speaker's projects, where they strive to continue the narrative of the local architectural history.

💡Water

Water is another recurring element in Arab architecture, often symbolizing life and serving functional and aesthetic purposes. The script refers to the Institut du Monde Arabe, where water flows down a staircase (Chadal) into small gardens, creating a geometric pattern related to water. This element is also mentioned in the context of a project set on water, indicating the importance of water in creating a sense of place and cultural identity.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural Identity is the unique set of characteristics and values that define a society or group. The speaker discusses the challenge of preserving cultural identity in the face of rapid economic and touristic development, particularly in the Emirates and Arab countries. The speaker argues for the importance of architects in reminding clients of the historical and geographical significance of the locations where they build.

💡Modernity

Modernity refers to the current era or the state of being up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. The speaker touches on the tension between preserving cultural identity and embracing modernity, especially in the context of rapid development in Arab countries. The speaker believes that modernity should not be achieved at the expense of losing cultural heritage and that architecture should reflect the times while maintaining a connection to history and culture.

💡Historical Context

Historical Context is the background of events, ideas, or cultural expressions within a specific time period. The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the historical context when designing architecture, as it provides a deeper understanding of the culture and influences the design process. This is evident in the speaker's approach to creating architecture that is not only of its time but also rooted in the local culture and history.

💡Desert

The Desert is a significant geographical feature in many Arab countries and plays a role in shaping the culture and architecture. The script mentions the desert as a source of inspiration and a part of the historical and geographical context that influences the design of buildings. The desert's harsh conditions and unique characteristics are considered when creating architecture that is both functional and culturally resonant.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in architecture refers to the practice of designing buildings that are environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and socially equitable. While not explicitly mentioned in the script, the concept of sustainability can be inferred from the speaker's discussion on the importance of creating architecture that is sensitive to its context, respects historical and cultural values, and uses resources wisely.

Highlights

Study of the Institute of the Arab World began in 1981 with the arrival of François Mitterrand.

The study focused on Arab and Islamic architecture, often linked due to their shared geometric relationship.

A striking feature of Arab architecture is its connection with geometry.

The perception of geometry in Arab architecture is often tied to abstraction derived from Islamic data.

Arab world's attitude is a play on geometry and light.

Every time working on an Arab-related building, the evidence of geometry and light is revisited.

The Tour of Qatar for Che Saoud showcases a play of geometry with sunlight.

Institute of the Arab World's south facade acts as a filter defining the building through light and geometry.

The relationship to water is a very dear aspect in Arab architecture.

The project of Silide will revisit these themes in a different way.

Louvre Abu Dhabi's project organizes a 'rain of light' with visible rays impacting the volumes below.

The experience in mosques and souks often involves light beams passing through wooden slats.

Arab architecture is fundamentally linked to its history and the creations of the Arab world under the sun and sometimes near water.

Architecture should not always be the same; it should reflect the desires and history of a place.

The role of an architect is to understand where and how the architecture will be situated and what sense it will make.

Architecture is about listening and not imposing one's own values or sensitivities.

The historical parameter is important, considering the time and the new techniques available.

The challenge for the Emirates and Arab countries is to preserve their identity amidst rapid economic and touristic development.

The architect's role is to remind that construction is not free but carries historical and geographical burdens.

The battle over identity and modernity is crucial for these countries.

Architecture should not only repeat global models but also testify to its time.