Does no one remember the 80s?
Here's a
transparent pod-house for the Thames. I don't mind it and certainly wouldn't pass one up if I had the chance to get one, but the proud novelty of how it's presented here makes me angry. It's like the author of this article never saw The Spy Who Loved Me. It's nothing more than (and actually less cool than)
Stromberg's escape pod. And if I'm being too much a Bond junkie, then replace this one with the one in Austin Powers.
Ok, maybe I'm being extra touchy about this, but the real thing that got me started on this subject is the
nytimes article on Koolhaas's new Prada store. It's just more of Rem's snake oil being regurgitated by a critic. THIS is why I say no one remembers the 80s. Every "innovation" here is just an old trick, perfected in malls 20 years ago.
1. There is no signage. "Prada is betting that the nonfacade facade will be highly conspicuous in its absence, suggesting the company's supreme brand confidence." As if Prada-unaware people could even afford a shoestring there.
2. There are no windows, columns or doors separating the retail space from the sidewalk. "We wanted to use this absence of facade to let the public enter absolutely freely, to create a hybrid condition between public and commercial space," Mr. Koolhaas said. Sounds like any other mall to me.
3. People will be allowed inside even if they're not buying anything. "We wanted to create a space that was exclusive but also more informal, where you could sit on the stairs and try on shoes if you want but also just talk to your friends." Isn't that called--what's the word--shopping?
4. There's a room that resembles the original Prada store in Milan. No, my mistake, the author writes, "the
very first Prada store in Milan." Whoop dee doo. I'm surprised Prada agreed to such tacky nostalgia.
5. "Mr. Koolhaas has included a V.I.P. space at the rear of the floor that is connected directly by elevator to the parking lot at the back of the building." Yes, Mr. Koolhaas certainly did, didn't he?
I was especially ticked off because the article is titled, "Capt. Koolhaas Sails the New Prada Flagship." I went in there happily thinking the Times was making fun of him, like he was
Capt. Caveman.
Bah. I should go get a job so that I don't have the time to be angry.