At the end of the gathering Friday in memory of Vittorio, discussion arose about maybe establishing a scholarship in his name.
I have an alternative suggestion: To establish a series of annual competitions whose program would further the lineage of thought that he brought us into. The entity that created and managed the competitions could select locations and challenges that further the work, and establish standards of rigor and process consistent with Vittorio's.
I spoke with Sam about this, and he likes it.
What say you? Please comment below.
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This is a terrific idea! It would be a lot of work but very much worth it. Although, I think a scholarship is easier to administer and would be an excellent gift to a worthy student.
ReplyDeleteA competition would forward the ideas we all hold dear and steadfastly believe in. It would mean work for those willing to administer this to ensure the competition is credible (I believe this to be fundamental). Maybe we could invite or coordinate with those whom have similar ideas about a competition in Florence. (I do not know how the relationship exists with the Architectural school there.) The opportunity for everyone is substantial. I would be interested in discussing this further.
Understanding the greater effort required as a competition, that effort seems justified by the ability to continue the evolution of spaciology and the various interests and methodologies that VG introduced us to.
ReplyDeleteKeeps the ideas vital and alive, living, changing, affecting the world - in ways a scholarship would not.
On the other hand, a competition whose prize was a scholarship - now there's an idea.
Bice,
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! When do we start?!
It seems to me that the main idea here is to keep the work, ideas, and spirit of the man that we all cherish alive. Why? Well, anyone who had Vittorio as a mentor realizes that there is something deeper than just architecture (little "a") as he pulls back the onion layers. His work is a window into a world with much deeper meaning. How do you describe that to a non-student? It's hard (just ask my wife), and his books don't help much. One has to have a substantial background in this way of thinking to begin to understand the book and Vittorio. We were lucky--we got the knowledge straight from him, the source. So, how does future generations get this knowledge, if that is even our goal here? I think the answer is a foundation. Protecting the work that was done and promoting the ideas contained within it would be the primary goal of the foundation. We all have sketches and bits and pieces of knowledge. Collecting the knowledge and presenting the information for new generations, seems to me a way of respecting the legacy of Vittorio. An organization could unify Vittorio's collaborators, put pressure on Pratt Institute and museums to give Vittorio the recognition he deserves and help put Vittorio's rightful place in history. Of course, the foundation could create a scholarship in his name and sponsor competitions. But, I think we need to think bigger here and protect this precious work. I remember one night in Vittorio's loft in SoHo, getting angry and upset at the lack of recognition of his work. He said, "I do the work. That's all I can do." I think it is up to us to take his work to the next level.
ReplyDeleteAny activity Regarding these ideas?
ReplyDelete