The Lion's Pride Lion's Pride Volume 12 (Spring 2019) | Page 62

Pragmatic Utopianism
According to Ingels’ first publication, Yes is More: An Archicomic on
Architectural Evolution (2009), Pragmatic Utopianism is defined as
follows: “Historically, the field of architecture has been dominated by
two opposing extremes. On one side an avant-garde of wild ideas, …On
the other side there are well-organized corporate consultants that build
predictable and boring boxes of high standard. … A pragmatic utopian
architecture that takes on the creation of socially, economically, and
environmentally perfect places as a practical objective” (p. 13).
The theory of architecture has evolved over the past decades.
Architects and designers often borrow some ideas from world-famous
architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Renzo Piano, and Le Corbusier.
In general, architects try to come up with eye-opening design concepts
and ideas, but due to complex issues, it is often difficult to achieve their
dreams. As a result, buildings frequently become typical boring boxy
shapes. It is also very challenging for architects to satisfy a project with
all social, economic, and environmental aspects these days. Still, I
believe that you cannot compromise to make a better quality of life.
Your project might be a long-term one, and you might have to take risks.
It is difficult to make the impossible possible, but once a project reaches
a sweet spot, it will effectively influence its surroundings.