Rafael Moneo: Remarks on 21 Works

Must read book for an architect

Must read for an architect.

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One would ask, "Is it worth reading Moneo in the age of i-Phone and Samsung?Is it worth spending time reading the remarks of Moneo rather than thewritings of Steve Jobs and Kun-hee Lee?" My answer to this question: yes.Yes, because, the way in which Moneo visions his product is different from the two.His products are never mass-produced, nor are they free from the specificity of site.They are custom-made, and they are, very very heavy, rooted in ground.Applications of cutting-edge technology on his latest product is less of an interestfor Moneo. But an application of lasting logic and sustaining effects constitutes thecore of his interest. Hence, to the users, his products have an enduring attraction instead ofswift seduction.The scale of bodily engagement is incomparable. Finger tip touch-screen versusvastness of stone-space. The effect and sustainability of light/power ismore incomparable. Flickering digitized light performed by a battery versusgold-toned light by a thin alabaster filtered natural light.His earlier book on the 8 contemporary architects, analyzing the pros and cons of the critical projects ofeach star architect, was shocking. Moneo helped the readers to raise sharp questions to the premise andvalidity of each design. This book is a continuation of that effort except that this time it's on his projects.(One tiny tiny tiny shortcomings: being his own projects, one sees more pros than cons in this edition thanthe earlier one.) Fans of Moneo will see once again his keen observations, plus, a theory based on real architectural projects.Being, Spanish, alma mater of ETSAM, recipient of Rome Fellowship, Moneo is a visionaryof Mediterranean culture. Mastery in system of courtyards, use of stone, economy ofintense light and deep sense of history, hence, constitutes the genetic code of hisproducts and force of his claims.One would argue, "Well, he must be a traditionalist and his products must not sell lucratively..."YES! But, he is not a traditionalist in the sense that he only claims to return to the past.He engages the past to enhance the present and to push for the better future. A product ofpast-abiding and on-going growth, hence, it sells not in monetary terms but in aesthetic and ideological terms.