Reimagining Urban Vernacular: Reclaiming High-Tech Ruins For Low-Tech Living

Reimagining Urban Vernacular: Reclaiming High-Tech Ruins for Low-Tech Living

Reimagining Urban Vernacular: Reclaiming High-Tech Ruins for Low-Tech Living

Thesis Studio: The Great Repair

Tutor: Felix McNamara

Studio Cordinator: Chris Smith

November 10, 2023

The University of Sydney, Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning

Pierre Dalais

In the past century, rapid technological progress homogenised global architecture, disconnecting design from local climates through the reliance on conveniences like air conditioning and heating. To address this and propose new alternatives, this project envisions a postcrisis future where squatters reclaim the abandoned Deutsche Bank Tower. Here, they create spaces that embrace a low-tech essence within the ruins of high-tech infrastructure. This exploration raises a critical question: What defines an urban vernacular in this transformed world?

Preface

I. The Homogenization of Architecture

II. Technology's Role in Homogenization

Heating

Cooling

III. New Technologies and the emergence of A.I

Media

Artificial Intelligence

IV. A Speculative Scenario

Reflection on the scenario

V. Opportunities

Epochal Ascent: A Conceptual Tower

The site : The Deustche Bank Tower

VI.Low-Tech response

Urban camping

Found Objects

Subtraction

Passive designs

Conclusion

“Modern building has become so universally conditioned by optimized technology that the possibility of creating significant urban form has become extremely limited”

Kenneth Frampton

Preface

In a world where architectural identity has blurred amid the proliferation of globalised high-tech designs, I embarked on this thesis journey to question the path we’ve traversed.

This path evokes memories of modernism and postmodernism, where technological advancements promised a bright future. However, in our pursuit of cutting-edge solutions, we’ve inadvertently contributed to a homogenization of architecture across the globe, much like the homogeneity that modernism propagated while driven by economics in a neo-liberal context.

Fueled by rapid technological progress, we’ve become increasingly dependent on conveniences like air conditioning and heating to achieve ideal indoor comfort. Such technologies allowed free room for architects to design inadvertently from the local climate, following global styles.1

As international design trends infiltrate the global landscape, our rich architectural diversity and its embracement to local contexts and climates face challenges. These trends often create a disconnect from our natural surroundings.

Inspired by the critical regionalism philosophy advocated by Kenneth Frampton2 , which questions the imposition of a uniform architectural language, I am here to explore and speculate alternative trajectories.

Believing that technology plays a pivotal role in this architectural homogenization, it has raised significant concerns. These concerns extend beyond the realm of architecture, delving into larger societal implications of technology’s dominance.

Those concerns are even more relevant with the current rapid and uncontrolled advancement of A.I. This project is anchored in the belief that architecture’s primary function is shelter, echoing Bernard’s Rudofsky observations in his book ‘Architecture without Architects’.3

An architecture of economy of means built within the ruins of a skyscraper.

The project is not a solution, but an experimentation of opportunities. An expression of playfulness contrast between different worlds, aesthetics and periods.

A.i Generated

“many air conditioners on the top of a building, in the style of zeiss ikon zm, hurufiyya, post-modern installation artist, nouveau réalisme, majestic ports, brooding mood, grid-based”

I. The Homogenization of Architecture

The 20th century marked an important period that shaped a new globalised architecture. The new International style emphasised simplicity, functionality, and a break from tradition. This transition led to a shift from passive climatic techniques to technology-driven solutions, which reshaped architectural design priorities1

As critiqued by Kenneth Frampton, the loss of architectural diversity and the erosion of cultural identity in a globalised architectural landscape has led to a convergence of architectural ideals, prioritising aesthetics and universality over climatic, contextual, and cultural considerations2.

The same architectural forms, often rooted in Western modernism, can now be found in diverse environments, from the cold climates of Northern Europe to the arid deserts of Dubai. This architectural sameness has resulted in a sense of placelessness in the built environment.

“In the past twenty years or so, globalisation has caused architecture to become homogenous, where the very cultural considerations that make architecture possible – history and tradition and local conditions have become abstracted and amorphous,’’4 (Godsell, 2023)

Fig 1. La cité Radieuse, Le Corbusier envisionned by Gritl, C (2022). .

II. Technology’s Role in Homogenization

The impact of technology on architectural homogenization is a noteworthy topic of comtemporary architectural discussion. Architects like Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius who were at the vanguard of Modernism were striving to embrace the industrial and technological advancements of their time.

The concept of the "machine for living" captured the essence of this era, where mechanisation and standardisation dominated architectural thought.Le Corbusier's call for the use of reinforced concrete as "the future building material" epitomised this technological leap. Reinforced concrete offered remarkable structural versatility and efficiency. Its use revolutionised construction, facilitating the creation of expansive open spaces and large, uniform building façades 5 This newfound architectural flexibility allowed for the replication of modernist designs across geographical boundaries, creating a recognizable global aesthetic.

Later on, the promise of climatic control through artificial means like air conditioning and heating marked the zenith of modernism's embrace of technology. These advancements simplified the design process and offered architects the capacity to create structures that could be replicated globally without significant modifications. As architects eagerly adopted these technologies, their designs became more detached from regional climate and cultural considerations, reinforcing the global sameness of modernist structures.1

“Dystopian elevation of a city rules by comsumption and globalised modernism, every buildings are the same, sad environment, low constrast and foggy, repetition”

Fig 2. Young, L. (2020). Samsung City

A.i Generated

Heating

The 20th century witnessed a significant shift in interior design, characterised by the disappearance of decorative elements in favour of modern, white, minimalistic spaces. This transition was largely influenced by technological advancements, notably the invention of central heating and hot water radiators in 1877.6

During the latter half of the 19th century, the use of coal as a fuel source led to the transformation of Western civilization into an industrial society. Instead of relying on wood, coal mines were exploited, and efficient coalburning boilers were installed in building basements. The accessibility of gas, petroleum, and nuclear energy in the 20th century rendered traditional interior elements like woodwork, carpets, tapestries, mirrors, and chandeliers unnecessary, as their historical role in enhancing thermal and lighting comfort was replaced by technological innovations.1

Cooling

Willis Carrier's creation of air conditioning in 1902 played a pivotal role in erasing regional architectural distinctiveness.7

As a result of this search for perfect internal comfort, regional differences in the United States began to diminish, and urbanisation progressed rapidly, a trend now observable globally. Air conditioning also had a significant impact on the development of skyscrapers, where it replaced natural ventilation due to the impracticality of opening windows in high-rise buildings.8

However, this technological change also led to a loss of social interaction within domestic architecture, as occupants sought refuge in artificially cooled indoor spaces.

Several architectural elements that were once integral to cooling strategies were eliminated, including porches, large roofs that provided shade, high ceilings to allow hot air to rise and escape, dormers for roof ventilation, raised floors, steeply pitched roofs, broad eaves to block oblique sunlight, louvred shutters, transoms above bedroom doors for heat venting, and verandas. These architectural features were designed to address three cooling strategies: reducing heat gain through radiation, increasing air movement for convective cooling, and expelling hot air from the top to reduce heat gain through conduction.¹

It's important to note that the intention is not solely to criticise modernity and technological advancements.

Technological progress has, in fact, played a crucial role in our survival. From the discovery of fire, which allowed us to inhabit harsh climates, to modern medicine, which saves lives, technology has been instrumental in our development.

However, the challenge lies somewhere in the transition from modernity to postmodernity, which has obscured our awareness of the materiality of our existence.

By emphasising our cultural aspects, postmodernity has also diminished our capacity to act effectively in a world that remains fundamentally non-human. It is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of technology and the preservation of our connection to the natural world.

III. New Technologies and the emergence of A.I

Media

The 20th century also witnessed a profound influence of media, especially magazines and the internet, on the globalisation of architecture. Homogenization is driven by the rapid dissemination of design trends, facilitated by the globalisation of information.

Architectural magazines played a central role in shaping global design trends. Their publications showcase iconic structures and design philosophies, creating a worldwide dialogue on what constitutes contemporary architecture.

Moreover, the internet, particularly social media platforms, design forums, and architecture-focused websites, accelerates the spread of architectural ideas. As architectural images circulate globally through digital platforms, a shared visual culture emerges. This shared aesthetic leads to a convergence of design languages, diminishing distinct regional expressions.9

Artificial Intellignece

As this thesis explores the complex aesthetic trends and functionality of architecture throughout time , it is situated in a time when technological advancements have reached new heights. Tucked in an era characterized by unprecedented technological advancements, the addictive consumption on technology by humanity has grown substantially.

From its intergration within the built environment to its pervasive influence in our personal and social spheres, the omnipresence of smartphones, the Internet, and various screen- based technologies has become almost necessary to the comtemporary human experience. In other words, the immediate absence to all technological tools could result in a noticeable void in one’s availability to actively engage with daily societal norms.

This cult-like behaviour towards technology could mirrors a ironic new religion where the power of technology seemingly supersedes human agency. Accelerated by the unregulated expansion of Artifical Intelligence. While its precise implications for the future of architectural practice remain speculative, its implementation in everyday life has already commenced.

“Mitigating the risk of extinction from A.I. should be a global priority alongside other societalscale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war,” 10

Albeit with varying perspectives, AI experts postulate that the supremacy of Artifical Intelligence over human intelligence is an eventuality. Recently, in May 2023, over 350 technology executives, researchers, and scholars concerned with the unbriddled progression of AI made this clear in a signed statement that underscores the potential threats.11

IV. A Speculative Scenario

In a world where technology appears to hold the answers to most of our pressing challenges, addressing the issue of climate change requires the foundations of architecture and urban planning to re-engage with the natural sciences and reconnect with the fundamental principles underpinning their respective disciplines. The primary aim is to alleviate the adverse impacts posed by the natural environment and ensure optimal living conditions in diverse regions through core principles such as strategic site orientation, efficient ventilation systems, and effective lighting management.

It is important to understand that the objective here is not to solely criticize modernity and technological progress. In fact, technological advancements have played an indispensable role in ensuring our survival. From the discovery of fire, enabling human habitation in harsh climates, to the advent of modern medicine, technology has significantly contributed to our progress and well-being.

However, the challenge lies somewhere in the transition from modernity to postmodernity, which has obscured our awareness of the materiality of our existence. By emphasising our cultural aspects, postmodernity has also diminished our capacity to act effectively in a world that remains fundamentally non-human. It is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of technology and the preservation of our connection to the natural world.¹

“front facade elevation many air conditioners on the top of a building, in the style of zeiss ikon zm, hurufiyya, post-modern installation artist, nouveau réalisme, majestic ports, brooding mood, grid-based” A.i Generated

The speculative scenario below has been illustrated using AI. To understand the to Text to Image exploration please see the A.I Experiments booklet “Rebirth of Low-Tech Architecture

“In a world where technological progress has often led to convenience and comfort, our reliance on devices like heaters and air conditioning systems has become ubiquitous. These technologies have allowed us to manipulate our immediate environment, striving for a perfect and consistent climate within our buildings. However, this dependence has come at a cost. Our over-reliance on these systems has disconnected us from the natural environment, contributing to resource depletion, energy consumption, and a sense of detachment from our surroundings. We sacrifice our connection to the very landscapes and climates that define our sense of place and identity.

In a speculative near future, technology has evolved into a new form of spirituality, resembling a form of religion. People gather in quantum computer temples to connect with the AI deity, seeking guidance, knowledge, and a sense of purpose. These digital sanctuaries have replaced traditional places of worship, reflecting the profound role that technology plays in our lives. As we immerse ourselves in this digital faith, questions arise about the balance between technological advancement and the preservation of cultural identity.

In the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis, the technological progress comes to a halt, as the once abundant resources become scarce, and the intricate network of global transportation grinds to a standstill. Commercial architecture, once a symbol of boundless innovation, is silenced. Empty skyscrapers loom like echoes of a bygone era. Nature seizes the opportunity to reclaim its dominion, as lush greenery and organic life slowly infiltrate the concrete jungles. Amidst this transformation, questions arise about the legacy of technology and the resilience of nature, sparking a profound reconsideration of architecture’s role in our world.

“Suburban man falling asleep near his lawn mower, pulling a section of his Sunday paper over his head, thus re-enacts the birth of architecture.”

Bernard Rudofsky, Architecture without Architects

Amidst the decaying remnants of once-thriving skyscrapers, a beacon of hope emerges. Enterprising squatters repurpose floors within these abandoned structures, transforming them into spaces of communal learning, collaboration, and architectural experimentation. Their collective ambition is to rediscover the essence of architecture – the provision of shelter – through the lens of fundamental low-tech techniques. The once gleaming facades of high-tech dominance now echo with the sounds of hands-on construction and shared knowledge. In this inspiring movement, the aim is clear: to craft an architecture that resonates with its inherent purpose and finds equilibrium with the natural world. From the detritus of the past, these pioneers reimagine a future defined by adaptive reuse, forging a new vernacular that echoes the harmony between humanity and its surroundings.”

Technology has become a religion. After having desacralized everything, it has become sacred itself. Criticizing technology, science, research, and growth is now forbidden - Jacques Ellul12

Render of the Techno-temple

A.i Generated Scenario

In this speculative scenario, we navigate the landscape of architectural concepts, questioning the current trajectory of the field. The scenario alows to set up a scene that unfolds three distinct focal points. The first, a critique of architectural homogeneity spawned by technological progress. The second, on our blind addiction to technology, emphasizing the potential perils of unchecked reliance, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. The third exposes an ongoing crisis—the adverse impact of the built environment. The global transportation of materials, extraction of precious resources, and our overdependence on controlled internal climates.

The scenario culminates in an exploration of low-tech architecture, pushing the boundaries to an extreme. While this extreme serves as a thought experiment, it holds valuable lessons that could inspire innovative solutions for present challenges. The overarching goal is not only to unearth architectural survival strategies but also to discover new possibilities applicable to our current context.

The stage is set for a critical examination of our technological dependence, imbued with irony. It paints a scene, portraying the worst-case consequences of our reliance on technology, distilling the various critiques into a single, impactful moment. Through this exploration, the scenario not only challenges the status quo but also encourages the consideration of alternative paths and innovative approaches for a more sustainable and resilient architectural future.

Extraction of the A.I generated elements

V. Opportunities

To encapsulate the essence of this speculative scenario in a singular architectural manifestation, a tower design has been conceived. This structure serves as a visual narrative, articulating the evolution through the three primary architectural epochs discussed herein. The first epoch signifies Modernism and its global replication, fostering architectural homogenization and a dependence on technology, symbolized by a façade of repetition and a formidable wall of machinery. The second epoch encapsulates the contemporary high-tech era, projecting into the speculative future with techno-temples. The third epoch envisions a prospective architecture emerging from the ruins, a paradigm centered on finding shelter in a revitalized context.

The vertical narrative of the tower unfolds like a time-lapse of construction, inviting interpretation from bottom to top, symbolizing the chronological progression of Past, Present, and Future. Each tier tells a distinct architectural tale. The lower sections embody the echoes of the past, reminiscent of a bygone era when physical mechanics preceded electronic advancements. As the gaze ascends, the clash of times becomes evident, revealing a new world conceived in low-tech aesthetics, a deliberate reset that evokes the architectural traditions of yesteryears in a contemporary context.

Epochal Ascent - Video

Epochal

The Deustche Bank Tower situated at 126 Phillip Street in Sydney, Australia, standing at 240 meters . Designed by Norman Foster of Foster and Partners, the construction started in 2002 and was completed in 2005.

The design emerged from the site’s long and narrow dimensions, which didn’t suit a conventional central core structure. To address this, 64-meterlong and 21-meter-wide floor plates were positioned to the east of the site. These 21-meter widths are created in a single span, eliminating columns from the entire floor plate. This makes it the largest column-free span in any Australian office building, offering over 1,200 square meters of unobstructed space when standing from one end to the other.

To achieve this expansive floor plate without columns, the core was strategically placed on the west side of the site, providing solar protection to the main office areas.

Fig 3. Foster + Partners (n.d)

Fig 4. Interiors of the offices floor, Reacommercial.com (2023)

This building presented a compelling opportunity, symbolizing a pinnacle in technological advancements and designed by an internationally renowned starchitect. Its significance in the discourse on the globalization of architecture was noteworthy. However, it also serves as an intriguing case study, emphasizing the delicate balance between the positive and negative impacts of technology.

Despite its technological eminence, the building’s design offered an economic use of space, with relatively low and modest floor-to-ceiling heights that interrestingly complemented the envisioned scenario. Moreover, its narrative adds depth, with the shape being modified to prevent overshadowing the state library and parliament, showcasing a somewhat contextual sensitivity.

Fig 5: 126 Philip Street, Drawings by Foster + Partners (n.d)

Case Study a: Tower of David in Caracas, Venezuela

Fig 6: Iwan Baan. Torre David, Informal Vertical Communities (2013)

Case Study b: James Wines, High-rise of Homes

Fig 6: Highrise of Homes, James Wines, Charcoal of paper (1981)

The Tower of David Caracas, Venezuela offers an interresting case study on how abandoned structures can find new, unexpected purposes within the urban landscape. It was originally designed as a financial center, it became an unconventional home for squatters due to economic challenges.

14

This adaptive reuse challenges traditional urban planning, highlighting the intersection of architecture and social dynamics. New openings are created according to the users need, the building adapts in-situ.

Non-sealed tower promotes user autonomy in creating sheltered spaces against the wind. This openness allows inhabitants to adapt and shape their living environments based on their needs

James Wines’ drawings for the Highrise of Homes departs from conventional facades. Instead of emphasizing exterior features, Wines focuses on the structural framework, transforming it into an open landscape for construction. This approach establishes a unique connection with natural elements at every level, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.

15

An interresting contrast between rural and urban elements within the same structure is worth exploring.

Case Study c: Arcad, Theo de Meyer, 2021

Fig 8: “Arcade,” Theo De Meyer, (2021)

Case Study d: Permanently Temporary Pavilion, Kosmos Architects, 2023

Fig 9: “Permanently Temporary Pavilion” Kosmos Architects, (2023)

Found Objects

Sleeping Pods

Found Objects

Found Objects

In the context of this thesis, exploring the aftermath of an economic crisis prompts a closer examination of found objects and the reuse of materials by squatters. With transportation systems halted, the quest for shelter necessitates a focus on locally available materials.

The scenario unfolds in a landscape devoid of shared cultural building techniques. The objective is straightforward: identify materials readily accessible in the surroundings and employ them in the assembly of easily constructed furniture, addressing the practical challenges posed by the crisis.

Materials sourced locally, the on-site assembly of architecture, and adherence to the local climate characterize the creation of spaces in a world where the predominant religion was techno-centric, leaving it empty of diverse cultures.

Can this approach still be termed vernacular?

Case Study e: AntiVilla, Bplus, 2015

Fig 10: ““Antivilla”, Bplus, 0131 Antivilla - bplus (2015)

An architecture evolving on-site through user interventions in an anarchic manner. To optimize space for squatters, strategic demolitions of slabs were conducted. Understanding the beam locations enabled the squatters to penetrate various levels. This process aimed to enhance natural light, facilitate stack ventilation, and create room for the construction of new structures.

1. Sleeping pods

Kitchen

Toilets 4. Drafting Spaces 5. Social Space

Library 7. Lecture room 8. Seminar space 9. Semi-external verandah

Moveable thermal curtains

Plants as a climatic barrier

Outdoor workshop

Indoor workshop

Climatic barrier

The squatters initiated the building's "repair" by working in the reverse order of its construction, starting from the top and spreading downwards. Floor 30 was transformed into a living and sleeping area, with tent constructions and simple kitchen. Progressing to level 29, the main creative hub was established for collaborative design, discussions about the future of architecture, and communal activities. Thermal curtains separated spaces for privacy, housing drafting areas, a seminar room, a library, a theater, and a social space—all designed in their most basic form, adaptable for change.

Floor 28, currently in deconstruction, embraces the encroachment of plants, offering an opportunity to integrate nature. Double heights open floors, inviting sculptural explorations, this floor is set to evolves into a workshop for construction.

Each floor maintains its core purpose from its previous use.

The floors aim to communicate, creating small interconnected spaces within the expansive building, akin to tree houses in a forest, fostering a sense of connection and shared experiences.

Case Study f: 500 logements, Lacaton and Vassal, 2017

Lacaton and Vassal’s approach to renovating the building envelope proves highly relevant.

The incorporation of extended winter gardens and balconies offers each apartment enhanced natural light, increased versatility of use, and expanded views.

Lacaton and Vassal employ multiple insulation barriers, including polycarbonate, glazing, and thermal curtains, with air in between as a crucial element. This strategy not only creates different thermal zones but also ensures adaptability and flexibility.16

Fig 11: “500 logements”, Lacaton et Vassal, 2017

The transparent and translucent layers of the winter garden sequence are choreographed to connect with and complement the existing building. Serving as visual and thermal barriers, these adaptable layers promote flexible inhabitation. The winter garden can be fully open, closed, or at various degrees of openness, catering to user needs in any climate.

Author’s own, 2023

In the process of reworking the facade, the primary objective was to maximize openness to the outside and utilize internal walls for shelter and comfort. However, there is a need for physical protection against strong winds. Drawing inspiration from tropical house verandahs and the winter gardens features of Lacaton and Vassal, the proposed design involved constructing a shell around the building on-site.

This shell, equipped with closable gates and polycarbonate panels, serves as both a protective structure and a source of natural light. The innovative addition creates a new balcony and thermal zone, effectively separating the interior from the exterior.

The mechanical system employed harks back to medieval machinery, predating electricity, playing with the intriguing concept of time and technology. A system of cables, gears, and counterweights is utilized to move and close the gates. For added versatility, another layer is introduced to provide shade when necessary, a construction net suspended from the upper level.

During summer months, the gates are kept open to facilitate ventilation, and the mesh net is deployed. All internal curtains are opened to maximize air circulation throughout the space. In contrast, during winter, the gates are closed, and the mesh net is lifted, allowing only sunlight to penetrate and warm the thermal walls and concrete slabs. Internal curtains are closed to retain heat, and individual heating sources, such as fires, are activated within each zone to ensure comfort in the colder months.

An interractive façade

Climatic Approach

Hand Drawn v.4 : Urban Camping

Hand Drawn v.1 : Architectural Anarchy

To conclude, this exploration delved into the complex past, present and future relationship between technology and architecture. The three epochs envisioned—Modernism's homogenization, the embrace of high-tech solutions, and the resurgence of low-tech resilience—serve as a medium to criticise the techno-centric and globalised world which has left us lacking of diverse cultural expressions.

The project highlights the potential for repair, reuse, and adaptation without the sole reliance on technological enhancements. The objective isn't to strive for an ideal, hermetically sealed internal comfort but to forge spaces that coexist with the natural environment. An architecture emerging in direct response to climate and context has the power to organically foster a regional aesthetic and a sense of identity

1. Philippe Rahm, *Histoire naturelle de l’architecture* (Paris: Pavillon de l’Arsenal, 2020).

2. Kenneth Frampton, *Modern Architecture: A Critical History* (Thames and Hudson, 1992).

3. Bernard Rudofsky, *Architecture Without Architects* (New York: Museum of Modern Art, 1964).

4. Australian Institute of Architects, “Melbourne’s own internationally renowned architect, Sean Godsell, to deliver headline address at NGV,” *Phys.org*, 2023, https://members.architecture.com.au/ EventDetail?EventKey=VIC220909.

5. Le Corbusier, *Towards a New Architecture* (Dover Publications, 2007).

6. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, “Patent Model for a Water Heater,” 1877, https:// americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1440161.

7. Steven Johnson, *How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World* (Riverhead Books, 2014).

8. Raymond Arsenault, *The End of the Long Hot Summer: The Air Conditioner and Southern Culture* (The University of North Carolina Press, 2019).

9. Murray Fraser, « A global history of architecture for an age of globalization », *ABE Journal*, https://doi. org/10.4000/abe.5702.

10. “AI Investor Warns of ‘God-Like’ Machines That Could Destroy Humanity,” *Futurism*, November 8, 2023, https://futurism.com/ai-investor-warns-god-like-machines-destroy-humanity.

11. Deborah Yao, “The Accelerated Pace of AI Advancements Made Demis Hassabis Believe AGI Will Arrive Much Sooner Than Expected,” *Emerj*, November 8, 2023, .

12. Jacques Ellul, *Le bluff technologique* (Hachette, 2012).

13. “Foster + Partners, *Deutsche Bank Place*,” https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/deutsche-bankplace, 2023.

14. “Life in the Tower of David, Caracas – in pictures,” *The Guardian*, The Tower of David in Caracas, Venezuelain pictures | Art and design | The Guardian.

15. Museum of Modern Art, ‘Highrise of Homes, James Wines,’ Accessed November 2, 2023, https://www.moma. org/collection/works/709.

16. Transformation de 530 logements, 2017, *Lacaton & Vassal* (lacatonvassal.com).

Figures

1. Clemens Gritl, “Artificial 3D Computer Models,” Galerie Juliane Hundertmark, accessed November 9, 2023, [https://www.galeriehundertmark.com/clemens-gritl](https://www.galeriehundertmark.com/ clemens-gritl).

2. Liam Young, “Tomorrow’s Thoughts Today: Liam Young’s Animation Depicts a Dystopian Future City,” Dezeen, accessed November 1, 2023, [https://www.dezeen.com/2015/03/18/liam-young-tomorrowsthoughts-today-architecture-future-city-dystopia-cities-dystopian-animation/](https://www.dezeen. com/2015/03/18/liam-young-tomorrows-thoughts-today-architecture-future-city-dystopia-citiesdystopian-animation/).

3. Foster + Partners. “Deutsche Bank Place,” n.d., accessed November 1, 2023, [https://www. fosterandpartners.com/projects/deutsche-bank-place](https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/ deutsche-bank-place).

4. “Offices for Lease at Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000,” realcommercial. com.au.

5. Foster + Partners. “Deutsche Bank Place,” n.d., accessed November 1, 2023, [https://www. fosterandpartners.com/projects/deutsche-bank-place](https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/ deutsche-bank-place).

6. Iwan Baan, “Torre David, Informal Vertical Communities,” 2013, [Torre David - Informal Vertical Communities | Iwan Baan](http://www.iwan.com/).

7. Museum of Modern Art, “Highrise of Homes, James Wines,” accessed November 2, 2023, [https:// www.moma.org/collection/works/709](https://www.moma.org/collection/works/709).

8. Theo De Meyer, “Arcade,” 2023, [https://theodemeyer.be/arcade/](https://theodemeyer.be/arcade/).

9. Kosmos Architects, “Permanently Temporary Pavilion,” accessed November 1, 2023, [https://k-s-m-s. com/projects/85kPCP9bp](https://k-s-m-s.com/projects/85kPCP9bp).

9. Bplus, “Antivilla,” 2015, [0131 Antivilla - bplus](https://www.bplus.com/).

10. Lacaton & Vassal, “Transformation de 530 logement,” 2017, [lacatonvassal.com](https://www. lacatonvassal.com/).

All links are marked as accessed on November 1, 2023. Please let me know if you need further adjustments.

References

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“Antivilla”, Bplus, 2015 0131 Antivilla - bplus

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“Foster + Partners. (n.d). Deutsche Bank Place. Retrieved from https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/deutschebank-place

Gannon, Todd. Reyner Banham and the paradoxes of high tech. Los Angeles: The Getty Research Institute, 2017. Giamarelos, Stelios. Resisting postmodern architecture: Critical regionalism before globalization. London: UCL Press, 2022.

Gritl, Clemens. “Artificial 3D Computer Models.” Galerie Juliane Hundertmark. Accessed November 9, 2023. https://www. galeriehundertmark.com/clemens-gritl.

Heathcote, Edwin. “How ‘high Tech’ Became the Architectural Style of Globalisation.” Financial Times, March 23, 2018. https://www.ft.com/content/92d5063a-277d-11e8-9274-2b13fccdc744.

Herzog, Directed by Werner. “Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World: Film Review: Spirituality & Practice.”

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“Learning from the Past.” Troppo Architects. Accessed November 10, 2023. https://www.troppo.com.au/learning-fromthe-past.

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“Museum of Modern Art. ‘Highrise of Homes, James Wines.’ Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.moma.org/ collection/works/709

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Pierre Dalais