What's good architecture and why the world doesn't need more star architects | Xi Zhang | TEDxZurich

[lenlenlen]

This contents make me feel it’s okay to be ordinary and just do the best to give what suit best for the people, as long as it’s important. I think what she’s actually saying is, do the job as architect properly. Fame come second. The world needs less ego. This is my opinion.

[tinashen]

Love it, especially when she says true architecture is selfless, bravo!

[miyaka]

i’m a first year architecture student and got curious about this. Now, i’m thankful i watched this. It really enlightened me

[excellentdriver]

2:55 "where the house is allowed to coexist" that really stuck with me, interesting thinking

[thexthretics]

I thought i was the only one thinking it this direction. You are absolutely correct. Let's stop wasting materials to satisfy our ego or coming generations will curse us.

[DRIZNISH]

'Void is the force which shapes a space' - a fantastic perspective on design

[timothyogundipe]

The truth is, every building should have enduring beauty and usefulness.

[architectgilbertperez]

The profession of Architecture is a gift and a vocation to serve the people while upholding good principles and the desire to enhance human lives through the development of buildings and communities.

[mariano.alvear]

This is true. As a society, we get deviated for the real purpose of things. We have fallen into the trend and hype of what should be the must and the need. There needs to be a change. Architecture ultimately is a service to the user and to the society. It shapes those who interact with it. directly or indirectly. Let's not forget what is architecture instead of thinking about which architect is this. There are brilliant architects that are great, but their building should talk in a passive way. Not like a flashing disco ball.

[fraufricke]

As a communications professional I found your description of the cultural differences in conception highly interesting. On my trips to Asia I realized that Asians have way more three dimensional advertising than Europe. I suppose that is because Asians literally see the world (and themselves in it) differently compared to Europeans and US Americans.
I also liked the aspect of selflessness, that allows to put the focus on the client's needs in the meaning of him living in the building and by that making himself part of it.
Thank you very much for this beautiful TED talk!

[kevinjang]

I’m an IT Architect thinking about the best way to design a system and this Ted talk just inspired me

[wyckedspace]

Starchitects promotes more on architectural beauty or aesthetic which main purpose is to feed us with positive emotion. It make us happy which gives us uplifting energy, like a therapy.The“ look of building” is a must, just like a pieace of painting. Do not elimenate or put less value on beauty in architecture, because it has different purpose. It does not make your energy bill cheap and save economy but your heart will. Beautiful architecture give us happiness, memories and hope.Just like now, we all staying at home, streets and establishments are unoccupied.Let this empty beautiful building serves a piece of art to cure our mental and emotional health.

[samstocker]

I haven't watched the video yet but this is what I think architecture is and should be.

So many people think two things about what architecture is even people who are directly related to the profession, studying or even architects themselves.

1) Designing a building simply for someone to occupy the space.

2) Something highly abstract as if to show the world how creative your mind is.

These are both wrong in different ways. If you look up the best architecture nowadays they aren't just attractive pieces of art but they function perfectly within their context, economically, socially and sustainably.

Of course there a situations where you may want something abstract and unique but it's for a reason and never simply "to look good". It is often to acknowledge a social or cultural aspect of the site. To possibly inspire occupancy and encourage tourism to boost the economic and financial status of the location. If you're designing a house or community building you need to understand the context in which your building. You need to know the demographics of that particular location, your client and the users of your building to determine whether your design would be socially acceptable. There are tonnes of designs on the internet and by students which on the outside may look quite impressive and shows they have amazing capability with presenting their work but the design itself just wouldn't work. The demographics, culture and environment of the location do not align with their project and thus would never make it past development phase.

You need to find that balance between creative innovation of abstraction and practicality because a building without function cannot function.

[jorgexchapa]

She made some good points. But i do disagree with some of her perceptions. You cant simply compare the architecture of one place in a 100 year gap and not expect any change. She said it herself, architecture is like a person, and like a person, as a living thing, it has an evolution, it changes. I dont see star architects, or in that case star *any profession* as being the problem. Actually, if they make good architecture (with her definition of it) they mark an example and direction young architects with their *good* architecture

[fauxamy]

"Void is a shape that fills space!" -Brilliant
so well said...

[mrss_foster]

This woman spoke the truth bravely. Or at least, I linked with the idea a lot since I dissaprove of star architects. We need functional arcitecture not enormous building blocks only pretty to the exterior without any function that might improve the surroundings.

[SamGiles]

This is brilliant. It's truly changed my perception about architecture and its impact. An immense thank you.

[fanwangfujian]

excellent talk - a building is like a person. it matters not how it(s/he) looks but what it(s/he) does for others.

[hhqmyqx]

The important think about architecture is that they need to do well their job, a lot of bad things can happen if the architect doesn’t now how to do his or her job.

[citragardenjuga]

Just take the essences of her talks, there are some good points