Lot/Ek: Urban Scan

This is worth the price, if just for the images they collect of eveyday industrial items and how these items fit into the manifesto of LO/TEK. Great Work!!

Ada Tolla and Giuseppe Lignano came to our school, Carnegie Mellon, in March 2003, to give a presentation of their retrospective work. I must admit that we, as the whole audience were enchanted by what they presented to us. LOT/EK, a NYC based architectural firm, has set its focus on mostly mobile units of architecture that involves structures and modules to be used in mostfully art and entertainment contexts. They've done a lot of small structures that bring technology and entertainment together. Their projects for MoMa, Whitney Museum, and the Guggenheim are a couple of examples. Although they're very unique designs in addition to comprehensive enhancements in media use, they have a seclusive atmosphere. That was one of the issues that was brought up by the students and faculty. The modules, however comfortable and ergonomic they can be, tend to separate individuals from the outside environment almost completely. They did not provide a good answer to the question. Yet, there's no reason for harsh criticism for that; since they devote themselves to one particular theme in architecture. Perhaps we, as either students or professionals, always have the image of Le Corbusier or Aalto in our minds, that we think that an architect should do everything. It becomes nice when a man can get a hand on many things, but it should not be disrespected when a hand does one job only. In fact, specialization becomes a must with globalism.I really liked their project for University of Washington, where they placed literally a 'slice' of an aeroplane onto a grass area in the campus. They've designed mobile seats, that can rotate vertically and horizontally, to allow for lectures, lounge relaxing and exhibitions, as the seats move. 'Isolating functions, not people...' Yes, this is what they had said, I now remember. I agree, their intention is not to isolate people. They instead intend to isolate functions, so that they are better realized without interruption. One might disagree with that, if interruption is a personal pleasure. LOT/EK is definitely one of the most specialized, unique, creative and technological architectural firms today. Purchase the book to see their amazing work.

I first learned about architects Ada Tolla and Giuseppe Lagnano (of LOT-EK) from an article in the House and Home section of the New York Times. I was intrigued by their use of low-cost, yet structurally sound, architectural elements (used shipping containers, tanker truck tanks, etc.) to create flexible spaces that are visually striking, yet responsive to human needs. A rare combination in architecture. Reading and looking through this book, my sense of interest morphed into outright enthusiasm. Not only does their work make sense environmentally--making sane reuse of items that are often discarded--their designs are extraordinarily well thought-out, architecturally innovative, socially aware and beautiful.