Hubert Ninhoff
Please follow this idea:Between the countries from different civilizations in the different continents(Asia and Europe in this case) , there has been a constant history of trade, migration and sharing of cultural practices, which has extended strongly, even in the field of architecture. I realized these countries have a deep and true connection with moral principles, which has affected all aspects of its society (Culture, Architecture, Art and their identity in general), their root and identity has influenced their architecture. I also understood that their traditional architecture has been naturally developed in a sustainable manner, I believe that the underlying cultural, historical and spiritual values has led to creation of this form of natural sustainability.”
It is the differing uses of history, to create varied sets of architectural languages within our contemporary framework that is of interest. This is especially true in the context of globalization, which has a powerful tendency to homogenize.”- Hence, I would like to ask you as a member of the jury member of 2A Asia Architecture Award 2017, do you consider this thought when you design and practice?
The answer is yes, absolutely! Because as an architect you stand on a cultural foundation, which is composed of numerous general social and personally
shaped building blocks. One could say that globalization or homogenization is not entirely a new phenomenon. At least since Greek antiquity, there is a strong super-regional architecture that claimed validity as a classic over space and time.
In order to understand the contemporary architectural and urban landscapes in different continents, in your opinion, what are the emergent manifestations of the world in contemporary Architecture and Urbanism?
Architecture is globally deprived of its intelligibility, of its ability to serve understanding: everything seems possible. A consensus about the design of our environment has been lost. Through singular decisions in search of new sensations this arbitrariness is promoted. The architect Hans Scharoun put it very succinctly: An architect should not be guided by sensations, but by reflections.
How important is context in Contemporary Architectural Design? As a professional, researcher and educator working in Asia/Europe, what are factors, criteria or even constrains that have influential impact on your profession?
It is fundamentally always about relationships, nothing is detached only for one’s self, and whether as an architect, one focusses on the contrast or the harmony with the context. However, it is important to me not to have too many illusions about the influence of our profession, even if architecture undoubtedly shapes
people. If one takes a look over time and at larger simultaneous relationships, this is quite evident.
