At a moment of social stratification and increasingly bitter divisions, a timely new exhibit at SFMOMA by Bureau Spectacular celebrates an architecture of egalitarianism. The exhibition, titled insideoutsidebetweenbeyond, showcases the studio’s drawings alongside a comic, When I Grow Up, and five three-dimensional models that explore “the communal aspect of urban life through surrealistic forms and situations.”
This is the first West Coast museum showcase for the studio, who was invited by the museum after acquiring some of the studio’s drawings in 2015. Known for envisioning architecture as a form of storytelling, Bureau Spectacular's founder, Jimenez Lai, is not only a widely-exhibited architect, but also a published comic book artist as well. Having done stints at both MOS and OMA before making waves of his own, the illustrator-cum-architect's inclination to narrativize is reflected in his architectural work.
His first graphic novel, Citizens of No Place, explored the role of fantasy and storytelling within the architectural profession in the form of Japanese manga-style storyboards. Beachside Lonelyhearts, an exhibit at the distinction-defying LA-based gallery Jai & Jai, was described by the artist as “a story remembered incorrectly, with thought fragments scatter over the walls, floor and ceiling in a desperate attempt to piece back together the fondest and most idyllic sense of warmth.” He also recently designed the new Frankie flagship in LA's Arts District, adorning the store with an evocative, trompe l'oeil façade.
In this body of work, the studio explores how architecture can be capable of rewriting sociological narratives and revealing societal values. In the way that a boxy skyscraper reflects an obsession with economic efficiency, Lai hopes to create forms striving for a “balanced democracy of creative individuals.” The models, reminiscent of his Coachella installation Tower of Twelve-Stories, could be similarly described as a cartoonish metropolis of tiny bubble-like spaces. Dr.Seuss-like cubicles are playfully stacked into towers that then become the stage for character development, relationships, curiosities and attitudes.
16 Comments
uncanny ability to roll out, control and narrate forms.
This stuff is awesome, like Hejduk's sketches and Wall Houses on steroids/acid.
A hybridization of Hejduk and Archigram is where my brain went to...great stuff Jimenez and crew.
Seems like degenerate formalism to me, but I'm glad people are still trying to be cool.
what gives Jimmy? not getting laid?
What are you, like some 19 year old undergrad looking to get laid drawing cartoon buildings?
Cool work. Glad to see paper architecture alive and well. My prediction is that virtual reality, starting in 10-20 years, will provide a platform for paper architecture like never seen before. Imagine being able to walk around these places in the virtual...I personally can't wait.
Great work! Thank you! Some of these models remind me of Marco Frascari's "Dream House" http://www.archilovers.com/projects/34081/house-recto-and-verso.html
lol james cargill
Dear Mr. Cargill,
Most unimpressive come back man, as if I had anything to do with this spectacular bureau. Degenerate Formalism and Cool used in the same sentence make me think of rock 'n' roll, and lord know we all hate rock 'n'roll. Rock'n'Roll sucks!
Sincerely,
Honorable Max Headroom, F.AIA
Honorable Max, F.AIA etc.
Rock and Roll isn't a profession, never was one, nor is it being pushed down students' throats in academia. I guess I'm just wistful for a time when architecture isn't dependent on kooky colored socks and even cookier fluff projects to win fame. Keep partying bro, just hope it doesn't leave you looking like a Jagger or Steven Tyler in the end, eh?
I never got what is so special about Bureau Spectacular. Has this guy ever practised architectural design?
That you don't get it makes me wonder if you ever practised or will practise architectural design, ah well there need to be cookie cutter cad monkeys too :-P
This kind of sick apathy man. "If you don't 'get' cotton candy cartoon drawings, then you must be a CAD monkey". Hey architects, we can draw orthagonally and not be a dumbass.
SANAA speaks more to the relationships of overlapping interiority with a tiny little pavilion of 10 columns than Jimenez can do in an entire tower of personal marshmallows.
@randomised, I've met Jimenez in London at the Architecture Foundation in 2012. I was not impressed back then and I am not impressed now either. This isn't about an esoteric meaning that one gets while another doesn't. It's time you learn to accept criticism.
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