‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 4.607 Thinking About Architecture: In History and at Present Instructor: Prof. Mark Jarzombek TA: Ana María León M: 9.30-12:30 LECTURE NOTES FROM SEPTEMBER 28 General Theme: Metaphysics and Anti‐MetaphysicsMetaphysics leads from: 1) Natural state, 2) Rupture, 3) Reconstituted Social Fabric TschumiArchitecture as split subject non‐violent/object/use violentarchitectural body/human body The Question of Metaphysics“The Building” represents “social norms” ⇒ metaphysics of orderUser’s bring “violence” to the building through their individual bodies ⇒ antimetaphysics of individualLike Plato, T. sees violence is a type of positive BUTUnlike Plato, order, for Tschumi, comes first. It is not constructed through the processes of metaphysical rupture. It is “pre‐metaphysics”Unlike Plato there is no ‘repair’. The social can or cannot exist.Opposite of Design‐Build where the social is integrated into architectural production.Social cohesion is implied when buildings are ”empty” – devoid of users. architecture metaphysics pre-metaphysics body order & discipline “violence” user Building architectNietzscheHistory has made the illusion of “good” a reality. But it was a mistake to begirepresents a moment of weakness. The “history of civilization” is in reality the n with – history of our subjugation to the principle of “good.”Metaphor of Single Sailor on Ship versus Plato’s Cave Metaphor There was once a real Good as understood by the ancient aristocracy, but it wasofficiated by priestly class which led to priests, rabbis, imams etc. etc. all of whom have imposed the false image of the distinction between good and evil on us. Anti‐metaphysics: Like Plato rupture is important and positive, but unlike Plato we Egoismare under no obligation to repair our social fabric. Restorationof Will History/genealogy (deterioration left to right) real good* “good” good aristocracy priestly class Priests ACTION PASSIVITY *traditional etymological type of good Back to TschumiHe adopts a metaphysical AND anti‐metaphysical argument. What does that mean? Is that possible? MIT OpenCourseWarehttp://ocw.mit.edu 4.607 Thinking About Architecture: In History and at Present Fall 2009 For information about citing these materials or our Terms of Use, visit: