Are we so immersed in consumerism that it seems acceptable, even admirable, to bring the shop into our very homes? Is this new religion so powerful it dares to seduce even the monks of a remote east-European monastery? Can we, designers and architects, problem-solvers and advocates of good taste be so selfish as to take clients (and society) on our own indulgent and egoistic ride while they pay the bill? I don’t think so.
I went to hear John Pawson – From Calvin Klein to Cistercianism, the guest speaker on the latest D&AD President’s Lecture. What I saw were straight lines and lots of white colour. What I didn’t hear is “why?”.
But I was impressed with the discipline and cold-hearted execution. Are you a happy chap? I thought. Do you love people? – or rather, do you need people?
Architecture like this contradicts its core purpose by making us feel like intruders in the space we own, visit or have to be in. Fashion shops are cool, but not very comfortable for living.
Sasha Vidakovic
Design director
Conran Design Group
London EC1
