Never Say Die: The Eccentric Architecture of Arakawa + Gins

Architecture has, and continues to be, constructed with the goal of marrying form and function in a purposeful and aesthetic way. Perhaps it's time for loftier goals.

Arakawa and Gins are two artists and architects that have worked together for over 45 years. Troubled by the notion of mortality, the two have decided that they're never going to die, and are working to outlaw death for everyone. One way they're doing this is by creating residential spaces that will extend the lives of those who live in them.

Their self-made anti-death philosophy is known as "reversible destiny" and their building designs are based on something they call "procedural architecture." Their design methods create unusual structures that "steer their residents to examine minutely the actions they take...and recalibrate their equanimity and self-possession, causing them to doubt themselves long enough to find a way to reinvent themselves." What this heady explanation means is that the houses they build are challenging structures, designed to keep their residents off-kilter at all times. By living in a perpetual funhouse, you're forcing your body and mind to stay active and seek new answers to problems. This could then lead to a new way of approaching life and facing obstacles from a new, enlightened perspective.

Arakawa and Gins could be onto something. There's been a great deal of discussion in the medical community about brain plasticity, and about how stimulating the brain will help keep neurological problems like Alzheimer's at bay.

In terms of the physical challenges inherent with their structures, Arakawa and Gins believe that the body can be challenged to greater health as well. They feel that their disorienting spaces can help improve one's immune system, and even recommend their designs for seniors who have health problems and mobility issues. As Arakawa explained, even if people are forced to crawl on the floor like a snake, the health benefits will be worth it.

While most people want a living space that oozes comfort, for Arakawa and Gins, comfort is a harbinger of death. As Madeline Gins explains, "comfort is rife with anxiety, and elation comes when you erase that." By living in a home that challenges your senses and is difficult to get around in, "everyday you are practicing how not to die."

Their first American structure is known as the Bioscleave House, or Lifespan Extending Villa. It is located on Long Island NY, and cost $2 million to build. The home has remained unoccupied since the project was completed.

There are no doors on any of the rooms (bathroom included), thereby forcing you to reassess your need for privacy. The walls meet at strange angles and are painted with a multitude of bright colors. The concrete floors are hilly and covered with smoothed-over bumps that make walking a challenge, and the windows are set at varying heights so you can't orientate yourself with the horizon. The kitchen is sunk into the center of the home and is practically unnoticeable. Fortunately, there are brightly colored poles to help the unbalanced. Altogether the home has a cheerful yet dizzying effect.

An instruction manual comes with the home, and a waiver must be signed before entering.

Innovative design that challenges our notions of home and life—this is what the architecture of Arakawa and Gins does for us. They force us to question things that we take for granted such as comfort and the inevitability of death. While the author of this article may prefer to live in a house that is relaxing and comfortable, it's good to know that there are still people out there who are questioning limits, challenging perceptions, and working to achieve something we all want—to outsmart death.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Real Estate" article category.

People interested in the above article "Never Say Die: The Eccentric Architecture of Arakawa + Gins" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Is Your Home LEED Certified?

If you have ever been involved in the construction or sale of homes in the past few years, you may have heard about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This voluntary Green Building Rating Systemâ„¢ promotes the global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. It is used widely in both commercial and high-end residential construction.

Mount Pleasant SC Golfing Communities

With four golfing communities, Mount Pleasant SC boasts some of the best (and most popular) golf courses in Charleston. I have included in this article information about Dunes West, Rivertowne Country Club, Charleston National, and Snee Farm.

How to Find the Ideal Neighborhood

A lot of home buyers forget that when they are looking for their new homes, they are also buying into the neighborhood. While a home might be perfect for you inside and out, how good is it really if the neighbors are all rowdy, or if there's a lot of crime happening around the location?

Dallas Homes for Sale: Get Wonderful Deals on Dallas Homes!

If you wish to move somewhere where you could get good deal on homes, then you must check the Dallas homes for sale. It is a fast rising city attracting lots of new industries as well as a lot of new businesses since there is a lot of progress. There are also a lot of new Dallas homes being built to give accommodation for all residents working at new businesses which are moving there.

San Francisco Foreclosed Homes for Sale

One of the best ways to search for San Francisco foreclosed homes for sale is to make use of online real estate listings. This is because they carry a number of benefits...

Show Me the Money: Borrowing What You Need from Private Lenders

You're going to market to find buyers anyway. So why not spend some time doing some free and clear marketing. While you're out there advertising to people in probate, foreclosure, or behind oNow that you've found the property you want to buy, how much should you borrow from a private lender? The answer is simple: borrow what you need, but only as much as you need. The key to getting the money you need is to make sure the private lender feels safe. After all, this is their money that you're dealing with here.

Baby Boomers Still Fueling Florida Real Estate Options

Whether it is buying a second home or acting on the long-planned dream of retiring to a sun destination, Baby Boomers are moving to Florida to take advantage of a well-deserved rest from the corporate world, or other nine-to-five path they had been on. The current excess of properties at reduced prices in Florida provides a perfect opportunity for new retirees to purchase a home and join the fun in an active community.