Super Specific: Shohei Shigamatsu

Shohei Shigematsu, partner at OMA and director of the firm's New York office, recently gave a lecture at the independently organised TEDxEast conference in New York. Entitled "Super Specific", the talk aims at stablising the practice of global architecture within the ever-fluctuating world economy.

I mainly found the talk worthwhile for two reasons. For one, it gives a little insight into how to function as an architect and designer when the economy falters and the going gets tough. In the case of Shigematsu, his designs begin to embrace the hyper-functionalism for which OMA has become well known for and maximise development potential (i.e. money making ability) without sacrificing formal and iconic expression.

Secondly, the short talk is aimed at non-architects. Recently, (probably in large part due to the faltering economy) architecture has come under criticism for being too insular. It's always interesting to see how high-profile architects attempt to engage people outside of the discipline, and it is evident that through his work and oratory, Shigematsu is able to do so rather convincingly.

Also, thumbs up for being the first architect I know to bash MUJI.