Architect Liz Diller: “I am worried for my country” | Louisiana Channel

We visited world-famous architect, designer, and artist Elizabeth Diller in New York and met a very thoughtful citizen concerned about the current state of American politics.

“I have to admit that my country feels very unstable right now. I grew up with a sense of stability that democracy was guaranteed and that you can work the system in a way where your voice really matters and counts.”

“I always felt that power should be challenged. And now, I crave institutions because they're so destabilized. And we need these institutions. I want to help bring them back.”

“In architecture, it’s all about bringing a lot of voices together and finding some expression that actually is really what you want to do, what you think is best, but is also able to convince people, educate people maybe, and you get educated too.”

Elizabeth Diller is a partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R). Alongside partner Ricardo Scofidio, Diller’s cross-genre work has been distinguished with TIME’s "100 Most Influential People" list and the first MacArthur Foundation fellowship awarded in the field of architecture. She has also received the Wolf Prize in Architecture. Most recently, she led two cultural works significant to New York: The Shed and the expansion of MoMA. Diller also co-created, directed, and produced The Mile-Long Opera, an immersive choral work staged on the High Line. Diller is a member of the UN Council on Urban Initiatives and a Professor of Architectural Design at Princeton University.

Liz Diller was interviewed by Marc-Christoph Wagner in her studio in New York in June 2024.

Camera: Sean Hanley
Edited by: Signe Boe Pedersen
Produced by: Marc-Christoph Wagner
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024

Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, and C.L. Davids Fond og Samling. This film is supported by Dreyersfond and Fritz Hansen.

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[Jack_all]

Although I mostly agree with her, saying "Most sane people live along the edges", is profoundly prejudiced remark. If you look at the management of California and New York right now and think thats "Sane" leadership or politics you may be blinded by your bias.. or disconnected by your wealth .

[bngr_bngr]

Architects benefit greatly by the generous tax treatment that real investors have in the US.

[mickieriley]

Sane person here who lives in the Midwest. There are a lot of us here. Yes, I'm worried for the country too.

[phatzgunderson]

why do humans blame two sides when only one side has gone off the rails. I have no sides, so I see it.

[lautarocuttica]

I live in New York.. No crazy people here to speak of!

[lisalovelylpa]

I am more than worried … the country is going down the toilet as rapidly as toilet water. A big fast flush.

Though, I have seen architects designing public spaces where the homeless have no place to sleep. Small walls with spikes so no one can sleep on them lol

It’s not the issues that divide us, I am afraid it’s human nature that is simply no good.

Bad genes.

Our extinction will bring a sigh of relief to the universe.

We are simply no good.

[melaniamonicacraciun]

Evil is so obvious 😢😢😢 nobody could ever deny, it not exists. Therefore, somewhere far away it must be something good as well.. because we are architects and we believe in future.. no matter what 🎉❤🎉 big loving hug gorgeous architects, never stop believe in, never let bad guys win to screw us the joy of life... that's what fans are for 🤗🍀💋🥂🍀💎💯🌈💝

[masterprintmaker]

I wonder if " THE BROAD" actually implements a visionary AC or heating system or it's heat sink design is just for looks ?

[jkickass]

so... you get a chance to talk to a famous architect, maybe you can talk about architecture, instead of politics?

[melaniamonicacraciun]

Lovely words, really inspiring, from my behalf friends, true power is about being architects, you can bet on it. Power is about being constructive, building things, being positive, having projects to work on. Confucius is one of the genius minds that changed the world. If there's no need to build a Chinese wall, only for keeping criminals busy, we have to build some. Climate change is asking us to get involved in such... global huge projects by now, how to dismantle the desert and.. keep people busy. We survived Stalin and communist hell on earth, there were the atomic missiles in Cuba pointed towards the States and Kennedy made speeches such as.. we go to the Moon because it's not an easy job to do...just don't think about the nuclear threats. He said, enjoy your lives like this one should be the last one of your existance, having no regrets and give life a Holy Blessing meaning because it might be the last day of our lives. If God gave us genius minds to protect us from whorse... starting from first our inner anxiety, try not to die of terror before time...do not please them murderers, they don't deserve such a satisfaction, no way...architects are visionary, working on projects, dreamers and believers