In this Seminar we want to engage with Rem Koolhaas' somewhat hermetic concepts of Bigness, Junk Space, Generic City. We want to engage with them speculatively, by taking them as "Theorems". Yet while we are used to think that a theorem finds its place within an axiomatic-deductive theory, this is dierent with Koolhaas use of them: here we have postulated theorems, but they appear to yet lack a proper theory that would accommodate them. We have theorems that present themselves on a stage of rhetorical cunning.
Hence we will do exercises in treating the hermetic concepts in a literal way according to the etymology of the term theorem: as a "demonstrable proposition", from Middle French théorème (16c.) and directly from Late Latin theorema, from Greek theorema "spectacle, sight," in Euclid "proposition to be proved," literally "that which is looked at," from theorein "to look at, behold". In other words: we want to learn looking at, envisioning, what these apparently hermetic words contain.
In order to exercise our abilities to do so, we will work with a spectrum of texts from Michel Foucault´s 1966 book The Order of Things. These readings will show us how to think rigorously about order without having a particular order as a referent, as a point to start out from. These readings will inform us about the rich history in which similar questions as those raised by Koolhaas´ theorems have already been raised in the past, and how they have been dealt with. The aim of the seminar will be to unlock, question, profile and stage the "theoretical vision" in which these concepts actually make sense as theorems. That is, we want to question them with "Sophistication".
We will proceed on two levels:
We will learn to touch, grasp, and engage with Koolhaas hermetic texts - by reading them, discussing them, but also coding and even re-writing them in order to unlock and communicate what they "state".
On the other hand we will read excerpts from Michel Foucaults book The Order of Things, trying to relate the strategies, questions, figures of thinking to our concern in this seminar: the theorems introduced to architectural theory by Rem Koolhaas.
Every student will be asked to 1) be present and actively participate in the discussion, 2) give a presentation in course, 2) write speculative reformulations of Koolhaas´ texts, 3) write an 8-10 pages seminar paper in conclusion (Bachelor).
Für jede Sitzung ist ein Text zur Lektüre vorgesehen: Programm und Download hier auf TISS (asap.)
The Seminar will be taught in English. But Seminar papers written in German will also be accepted.
Erstes Treffen: 10. Oktober 2017, 17-19 Uhr im ATTP Seminarraum
Seminar Sessions:
Meetings:
1. Introduction
Daniel W. Smith: "Axiomatics and Problematics as Two Modes of Formalisation: Deleuze's Epistemology of Mathematics," In Simon B. Duffy (ed.), Virtual Mathematics: The Logic of Difference. Clinamen, pp. 145--168 (2006)
Rene Descartes: "Rules for the Direction of the Mind" (1628)
2. Guest Input Sebastian Michael: Creative Writing. Words and Articulations
3. Delirious New York, or unformulated Theory
Rem Koolhaas, Delirious New York, A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan, "Introduction" (Monticelli Press, 1994, pp. 9-13).
Brian Massumi, "Realer than Real: The Simulacrum According to Deleuze and Guattari" (From Copyright no.1, 1987, pp. 90-97).
4. Imagining Nothingness
Rem Koolhaas, "Imagining Nothingness," in S,M,L,XL, 010 Publishers, 1995.
Brian Rotmann, Signifying Nothing: The Semiotics of Zero, "Preface" & "Opening" & Number, Vision, Money" (Stanford University Press, 1987, pp. 1-26)
Michel Foucault, "Las Meninas," in The Order of Things (Routledge, 1970 [1966], pp.3-18).
5. Bigness
Rem Koolhaas, "Bigness" in S,M,L,XL, 010 Publishers, 1995.
Michel Foucault, "Chapter 5: Classifying", in The Order of Things (Routledge, 1970 [1966], pp.136-179).
6. Creative Writing Exercises
7. Generic City
Rem Koolhaas, "Generic City" in S,M,L,XL, 010 Publishers, 1995.
Michel Foucault, "Preface" in in The Order of Things (Routledge, 1970 [1966], pp.xvi-xxvi).
Michel Foucault, Les Hétérotopies (Radio Feature, 1966)
Michel Foucault, L´Utopie du Corps (Radio Feature, 1966)
8. Seminar Paper Theme and Abstracts Presentation
9. Junkspace
Rem Koolhaas, "Junkspace" in S,M,L,XL, 010 Publishers, 1995.
Michel Foucault, "Man and his Doubles" in (Routledge, 1970 [1966], pp.330-374).
10. Madness
Rem Koolhaas, "Europeans: Biuer! Dali and Le Corbusier Conquer New York" in Delirious New York, A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan, "Introduction" (Monticelli Press, 1994), pp. 235-281).
Michael Foucault, Schriften, "Das Wasser und der Wahnsinn" (pp. 365-370) and "Der Wahnsinn, Abwesenheit eines Werkes" (pp. 539-549)
11. Seminar Discussion, Seminar Paper Theme and Abstracts Presentation
12. Presentation of Creative (Re)Writings: Performance and Drinks
Deadline for Seminar Paper: 11th February 2018
Please consider the plagiarism guidelines of TU Wien when writing your seminar paper:
http://www.tuwien.ac.at/fileadmin/t/ukanzlei/t-ukanzlei-english/Plagiarism.pdfPlease consider the plagiarism guidelines of TU Wien when writing your seminar paper:
https://www.tuwien.ac.at/fileadmin/t/ukanzlei/t-ukanzlei-english/Plagiarism.pdfPlease consider the plagiarism guidelines of TU Wien when writing your seminar paper:
Directive concerning the handling of plagiarism (PDF)Please consider the plagiarism guidelines of TU Wien when writing your seminar paper:
Directive concerning the handling of plagiarism (PDF)
