4 0 731 KB
RANDOMNESS vs ARBITRARINESS Author(s): ZAHA HADID Source: AA Files, No. 2 (July 1982), p. 62 Published by: Architectural Association School of Architecture Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/29543327 . Accessed: 12/06/2014 21:22 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp
. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected].
.
Architectural Association School of Architecture is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to AA Files.
http://www.jstor.org
This content downloaded from 91.229.248.139 on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:22:39 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
ZAHA HADID
RANDOMNESS
To most people
vs ARBITRARINESS
thereisno
apparent difference eitherconceptually or visuallybetweenrandomnessand to thisbasic arbitrariness. It isdifficult
as a difference scientifically. it formula, Treated becomes even mathematical more although of abstract,ability theprinciple to distinguishing between the thetwois conceptual the analyse difference demonstrate
through abstraction. pure architectureis a Randomness visual of orderand translation logic, in
mathematical
thinking whichis guidedby
whereas arbitrarinesshas no is not to underlying do with conceptual logic pure -randomness formalism- to aspects. It is demonstrate allathedifferent those necessaryto use like mathematical symbols of equation - which is again are we obscure. saying?Aren't we So our what just actions? tryingto justify
This isdifficult.Ithas alwaysbeen a problem tryingto translate because
the field of 'explanation*
not necessarily
is limited, the forces at play are
those of conventional
spiritual nor cosmic nor religious.
it's neither
earthly nature;
It is impossible
the implications of the writings and manifestos the merits of his writings are no parallel
to summarize
of Malevich,
and
to those of his paintings.
This has to do with the inabilityto translate. He had to resortto and
metaphysical comprehensible: Arbitrariness [brought up
spiritual
he dressed has
concepts
to make
the work
it in a language which was
to do with
a generation
on shopping for ideas. A catalogue
which
familiar. has been
exists from which
theyfreelycopy anythingand apply itwith littlerelevanceto any] Isituation. But
in architecture our responsibilities
are far greater:
we must create a new dynamics of architecture inwhich the land is partially occupied.
We must
understand
the basic principles
i
62
AA FILES
This content downloaded from 91.229.248.139 on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:22:39 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
no.2