Wolf Prix says 'stupid' architecture competitions are making studios 'slaves to money'
by Kim Megson | 23 Nov 2016
Wolf Prix, the design principal and CEO of Austrian architecture studio Coop Himmelb(l)au has slammed design competitions / Coop Himmelb(l)au
Can you imagine 100 or 200 surgeons having to prove they can perform heart surgery, without getting any money? Only the stupid architects are doing it
– Wolf Prix
– Wolf Prix
Wolf Prix, the design principal and CEO of Austrian architecture studio Coop Himmelb(l)au has slammed design competitions, arguing they “diminish the value of our thinking.”
In an entertaining and frank talk about the state of the industry and the challenges of tomorrow, made at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin last week, Prix claimed that “to make a competition is a very stupid thing.”
“I repeat myself a thousand times, but can you imagine 100 or 200 surgeons having to prove they can perform heart surgery, without getting any money?” he said. “Only the stupid architects are doing it. I read in the newspaper recently an investor said ‘I’m happy to have competitions because I get 100 ideas for free.’”
Expanding on the point later, Prix continued: “I don’t want to work for nothing. It is a diminishing of the value of our thinking. And anonymous competition contributions are making architects slaves to money.
“One of my former students won a competition, and I calculated with him what he will gain after five years. It turns out he will make a loss of €200,000. That means he has to do everything a client wants to pay this back.”
Prix also used the platform to criticise wider architectural discussion, which he compared to an iceberg that ignores the big issues beneath the surface.
“We are talking only about the peak of the iceberg - the buildings and so forth. No-one considers the invisible aspects of architecture, which are much more dangerous.
“This covers politics, economy, clients. We have to discuss these things more seriously and more precisely get free of the chains these things create.
“As architects, we think we save the client and that we can walk on water. But I haven't seen an architect who could walk on water. Or we think we’re supporting the whole world on our shoulders. No way. We are really like Chaplin, because the invisible aspects of architecture are suppressing our ideas.”
Prix, and Coop Himmelb(l)au, are known for their boundary-pushing projects featuring structural, abstract forms, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Planning Exhibition in Shenzhen, China and the forthcoming House of Bread in northern Austria.
Wolf Prix architecture competitions World Architecture Festival Berlin Coop Himmelb(l)auWorld Architecture Festival 2016 begins in Berlin
Shenzhen welcomes Coop Himmelb(l)au-designed mega-museum
Coop Himmelb(l)au design House of Bread museum in Austria
Wolf Prix, the design principal and CEO of Austrian architecture studio Coop Himmelb(l)au has slammed design competitions, arguing they “diminish the value of our thinking.” In an entertaining and frank talk about the state of the industry and the challenges of tomorrow, made at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin last week, Prix claimed that “to make a competition is a very stupid thing.” “I repeat myself a thousand times,
CLD,ARC,DES,DEV,PHR
More news
Virgin Galactic merger brings commercial space travel (and space hotels) closer to reality
by Andy Knaggs | 16 Jul 2019
Virgin Galactic believes it has the necessary financial muscle to achieve commercialisation of its space tourism flights, after merging with investment partnership Social Capital Hedosophia (SCH). The transaction, which is due to complete during the second half of 2019, will deliver US$1.3bn (€1.16bn, £1.04bn) of equity to Virgin Galactic, made up of US$1bn (€890m, £800m) in common stock of the combined company (at US$10 per share) and up to US$300m
Solent University, UK, opens sports and fitness complex as part of £100m investment plan
by Tom Walker | 16 Jul 2019
Solent University, UK, has officially opened its new £28m sports and fitness centre. The centre houses two sports halls, three gyms and an indoor cycling studio. There are also two exercise studios, a physiotherapy treatment room and a dedicated basketball centre – one of only two of its kind in the UK. The university worked with Pulse Fitness on the design of the new facility, which is part of an
Studio Hansen Roberts creates jungle habitats for Auckland Zoo
by Andy Knaggs | 15 Jul 2019
New Zealand's Auckland Zoo has revealed a timetable for opening each part of its new South East Asia Jungle Track project ‒ a NZ$58m (US$39m, €34.6m, £31m) investment that's part of the zoo's wider 10-year, NZ$150m (US$100.9m, €89.5m, £80.4m) evolution programme, funded by Auckland Council. The zoo has worked with Studio Hansen Roberts on the design of the South East Asia Jungle Track, with NZ Strong (builders), Jacobs Engineering and
National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi will anchor new Al Qana complex by MZ Architects
by Andy Knaggs | 16 Jul 2019
One of the Middle East's biggest aquariums, the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, is on track to open in 2020 as a cornerstone of upcoming mixed-use destination, Al Qana. The development, by Al Barakah International Investment (BII) and Abu Dhabi Municipality, will welcome a million visitors a year when complete. The 7,000sq m (22,965sq ft), aquarium will be home to 33,000 responsibly- and ethically-sourced marine creatures to highlight the importance
Linzi Coppick of Forme creates interiors for new COMO Metropolitan residences in London
by Jane Kitchen | 11 Jul 2019
COMO Metropolitan hotel in London has opened ten luxury residences, offering private apartment-style accommodation adjacent to the hotel and opposite Hyde Park. The Residences offer the same five-star facilities and service as the hotel, which is a one-minute walk away, including access to the hotel's holistic wellness centre, COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. Inside, designer Linzi Coppick of Forme UK has prioritised a sense of home. Natural daylight floods the apartments,
Designer Claudio Carbone reveals his €40m renovation of Grand Hotel Quellenhof
by Jane Kitchen | 11 Jul 2019
After five months of construction and an investment of CHF 45m (€40m), the completely renovated Grand Hotel Quellenhof in Switzerland has opened its doors. For 150 years, the Quellenhof has served as the flagship of Europe’s wellbeing & medical health resort in Bad Ragaz. Swiss interior designer Claudio Carbone has been responsible for the redesign and the development of a new concept which is centered around the hotel’s history and
André Fu tapped into childhood memories of Hong Kong to inspire his designs for the new St. Regis hotel
by Liz Terry | 10 Jul 2019
Speaking in the new edition of CLADmag, designer André Fu reveals how he found inspiration for his designs for the new St. Regis hotel. “I was born in Hong Kong and so designing the hotel made me question exactly what my home town means to me,” he explained. “I wanted to go deeper than the stereotypical concept of lanterns, junks and temples and tap into my own memories of the
Steven Holl and Architecture Acts win competition for new Ostrava concert hall
by Andy Knaggs | 10 Jul 2019
The Czech city of Ostrava is to have a new concert hall designed by Steven Holl Architects and Prague-based Architecture Acts following an international competition. The structure will create a tension between new and old, with the new building sitting astride the city's existing House of Culture. The 1,300-seat concert hall, which is expected to open in 2023, was designed as a "perfect acoustic instrument in its case" in collaboration
Add a gym to your development to increase its value says Colliers
by Andy Knaggs | 09 Jul 2019
A report from Colliers International has found that people are increasingly willing to pay more in rent or mortgage to live near to, or even onsite with, their gym. The study of 3,000 people in the UK found that 72 per cent of people responded positively to this hypothetical situation, while 29 per cent said they would be prepared to pay more for a rooftop gym. "Investors and landlords have
Wellness in the clouds: Four Seasons Philadelphia to open next month with 57th floor crystal-themed spa
by Jane Kitchen | 08 Jul 2019
The opening date for the Four Seasons Philadelphia has been set for 12 August. The property was originally scheduled to open in Q3 2018. The 219-bed hotel, located atop the 1,121ft (342m) Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia’s downtown, offers views from the 48th to 56th floors. Set above it, the spa will include seven treatment rooms and an indoor infinity pool. The 17,321sq ft facility will encompass the entire 57th
Attention Lego lovers – Europe's first Lego waterpark will be built in Italy
by Tom Anstey | 08 Jul 2019
Architects who love Lego will be able to treat their families to a Lego holiday experience when a new Lego waterpark opens in Italy in 2020. Gardaland has announced plans to open Europe's first Lego-branded waterpark, designed by Merlin Magic Making, with the multi-million dollar development set to open its doors next year. Aimed at families with children aged two to twelve, the new addition to the Italian theme park
Grantley Hall hotel and wellness retreat wants to become one of Europe's top gym, spa, and wellness properties
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 06 Jul 2019
The Grade II listed, 17th century Grantley Hall hotel and wellness retreat will reopen today (6 July) near Ripon, UK. The property has undergone extensive renovation work over a three-and-a-half year period, with design by owner Valeria Sykes and now has a high-end gym, spa and a range of restaurants. The overarching vision is for the hotel to become one of Europe's top gym, spa, and wellness facilities. The property
New designs for Museum of London revealed
by Tom Anstey | 04 Jul 2019
The Museum of London has revealed the designs for its new home in West Smithfield, with the development scheme laying out a 24-hour cultural hub in the heart of the British capital. Described as one of the largest cultural projects in Europe, the design process has been led by Stanton Williams and Asif Kahn, with Julian Harrap Architects also involved. Celebrating the existing architecture of the Westfield site, which is
MAD Architects reveal exquisite Grand Theater for Yiwu, China
by Liz Terry | 03 Jul 2019
MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, have been chosen to build their ethereal design for the Yiwu Grand Theater in China’s Zhejiang province. The announcement comes following a competition with Arata Isozaki & Associates, Atelier Christian de Portzamparc, GMP, and KDG. The new building, located on the south bank of the Dongyang River, will have a 1,600-seat grand theatre, a 1,200-seat theatre and an international, 2,000-capacity conference centre. Positioned with
Les Mills unveils new "future-focused" studios at Auckland City Gym, designed by Monk Mackenzie, Rufus Knight and Alt Group
by Tom Walker | 02 Jul 2019
Fitness giant Les Mills has launched three new studio spaces at its iconic Auckland City Gym in New Zealand. The new spaces were designed by New Zealand architects Monk Mackenzie and interior designer Rufus Knight, working in partnership with design studio Alt Group. According to Les Mills Jnr, who led the development of the new studios and workouts, a key objective was to partner with New Zealand’s best designers to
Zaha Hadid Architects and Architect 61 begin work on New Science Centre in Singapore
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 02 Jul 2019
Singapore-based architecture firm Architects 61 and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) have begun design development workshops for the New Science Centre in Singapore. The Science Centre Singapore, which opened in 1977, welcomes more than a million visitors every year, and makes science accessible and engaging, with immersive exhibitions providing physical demonstrations of scientific principles and applications in everyday life. Its redesign was announced in May 2019, with Singapore's Minister for Education
Building boom: South Korea plans to build 140 new museums and 46 art galleries by 2023
by Andy Knaggs | 01 Jul 2019
CLAD has learned that the South Korean government plans to trigger a building boom in the museums and cultural sector, with the construction of 140 new museums and 46 new art galleries by 2023. The policy was announced by the country's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The move is part of a new five-year plan aimed at making Korean art and artefacts more accessible and doubling the proportion of
Final details unveiled for OMA’s expansion of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York
by Andrew Manns | 30 Jun 2019
OMA have released images of their latest design for the New Museum of Contemporary Art expansion in Manhattan, New York which has been in the planning stages since May 2016. Set to rise at 235 Bowery, next to the recently completed SANAA-designed flagship, the future structure will more than double the museum's capacity, adding 937 sq m of exhibition space. The US$63m (€55.3m, £49.5m) extension will also add an 80-cover
Snøhetta to lead revamp of Hawaii’s iconic Blaisdell Center
by Andrew Manns | 28 Jun 2019
Integrated design practice Snøhetta have teamed up with AECOM and WCIT Architecture to redesign the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The new masterplan will see the 22-acre cultural venue expanded to include a concert hall, exhibition centre, and sports pavilion. The complex will also feature a number of outdoor spaces – such as ponds, gardens, and rivulets – all of which will follow what the design team have
Milan-Cortina's 2026 Olympic Games' to rely on existing infrastructure – masterplan features one new venue
by Tom Walker | 28 Jun 2019
Milan-Cortina, which has been selected to host the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games, has revealed the events will aim for a low carbon footprint, with the majority of facilities used being existing. Milan-Cortina's bid received 47 out of a total of 82 votes cast by IOC members, with rival bid Stockholm-Åre receiving 34 votes, with one abstention. The bids from Milan and Stockholm were the first to be produced
Foster + Partners’ New York boathouse will use rowing courses to empower communities
by Andrew Manns | 27 Jun 2019
London-based architecture practice Foster + Partners have revealed plans to create a community-centred boathouse and rowing facility in Washington Heights, New York. Commissioned by competitive rowing charity Row New York, the proposed timber-roofed building will comprise an array of classrooms, event spaces, and outdoor leisure areas – all of which be used for rowing-focused educational programmes. Using the sport as a facilitator for self-empowerment, the centre will also help its
Roman museum planned for York, UK, as part of £150m urban regeneration scheme
by Andy Knaggs | 27 Jun 2019
A new world-class museum project documenting the Roman history of the city of York, UK, will be part of a proposed £150m (US$190.5m, €167.5m) city centre redevelopment called the Roman Quarter. The York Archeological Trust is partnering with York-based property developers North Star, DC Architecture and hotel operator Native to deliver the project in Rougier Street. Three buildings will be demolished to make way for the development, enabling the 33,000sq
Elias Estudio and Francois Frossard complete luxe villa in Los Cabos
by Andrew Manns | 27 Jun 2019
Architecture firm Elias Estudio and interior designer Francois Frossard have completed the Royale Residence, a 1,712 sq m short-stay villa located at the Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the two-storey guesthouse features four bedrooms, a fitness centre, a movie theatre, a sun deck, a 130 sq m infinity pool, and a spa treatment room. Provided with an assortment of bath amenities, including
Architects AW2 are working on the first Alila-branded resort in Europe, in Gruyère, Switzerland
by Jane Kitchen | 27 Jun 2019
Hyatt Hotels will bring the Alila brand to Europe for the first time by putting its name to the Golf Resort La Gruyère to create the Alila La Gruyère resort, which is set to open in Switzerland in 2023. Overlooking a picturesque lake, Alila La Gruyère will offer an 85-bed hotel and wellness retreat as well as a golf course by Robert Trent Jones Jr and a range of residences.
Piscina & Wellness Barcelona announces competition to build seaside aquatic centre
by Andrew Manns | 26 Jun 2019
Piscina & Wellness Barcelona (PWB) has launched an international contest for architecture students to conceptualise a new aquatic centre. According to the company, the future leisure facility will be designed for public bathing and will occupy a tract of land on Barcelona’s waterfront, between “Drassanes Quay and the Rambla del Mar of the Port Vell”. “The space includes a large area of water, thus providing the possibility of even imagining
Stadium redevelopment is part of £2bn development plan for Nottingham UK
by Tom Walker | 26 Jun 2019
Plans to redevelop the home stadium of soccer team Nottingham Forest in the UK have moved a step closer, after the Football League club was granted a new 250-year lease for the stadium site. The redevelopment forms part of the wider Nottingham Southside regeneration with £2bn of developments happening across a 0.5 square mile area. The changes represent are expected to bring thousands of jobs, millions of visitors and economic
GOCO Hospitality to create advanced medical wellness destination in Kazakhstan
by Jane Kitchen | 25 Jun 2019
International wellness consultancy, development and management firm GOCO Hospitality is working on a wellness resort in a heritage property in Kazakhstan that was once one of the most advanced sanatoriums during the Soviet era. Now, the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has entrusted GOCO Hospitality to develop the property into a next-generation wellness resort. Due to have its soft opening in July 2020, GOCO Life
Eden Project North starts to take shape with tentative 2023 opening date set
by Andy Knaggs | 24 Jun 2019
The first stage in the preparation of a planning application for the proposed Eden Project North in the UK has been completed, with the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report to Lancaster City Council. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the £85m (US$108m, €95.6m) development will see a series of mussel-shaped pavilions capable of housing a variety of environments built on the seafront at Morecambe, Lancashire. In the latest information
Cipriani to spend US$450m on revamp of Uruguayan mega-hotel
by Andrew Manns | 24 Jun 2019
International hospitality brand Cipriani is spearheading a US$450m (€395.3m, £353.9m) effort to convert the 1950s-era Hotel San Rafael in Punta del Este, Uruguay, into an expansive resort complex. Set to be designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the new Cipriani Ocean Resort and Club Residences will tower over Brava Beach and will feature 164 rooms suites, plus 800,000 sq ft (74,322 sq m) of residential space. The resort will also
Henning Larsen win competition to design mountain-like park in Denmark
by Andrew Manns | 21 Jun 2019
Architecture office Henning Larsen have been chosen to revitalise a 30,000 sq m seafront park in Esbjerg, Denmark. The architects' plans will see the centuries-old public space transformed into a “city mountain” with new footpaths, artificial ponds, and an expansive amphitheatre. “We are reconnecting the city back with its environment,” said Salka Kudsk, Head of Landscape at Henning Larsen. She continued: “It was initially practical, holding the sand in place
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
featured supplier
cladkit product news
Cristallo was the last design from acclaimed designer and architect Alessandro Mendini
Design Studio BD Barcelona Design has released Cristallo, a limited-edition cabinet designed by the late architect and designer Alessandro Mendini,
...
The tiles are made from marine-grade concrete and recycled plastic fibres
Car manufacturer Volvo has partnered with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab to create an environmentally-friendly
...
cladkit product news
Rockwell has designed 12 multi-use fabrics inspired by dreams with long-time collaborator Jim Thompson
Renowned architect David Rockwell has created a collection of fabrics with long-time collaborator Jim Thompson. Called Dreams, the collection was
...
The furniture uses plastic from recycled fishing nets
Mater, an ethical design brand based in Denmark, has launched a furniture collection made from plastic reclaimed from the ocean.
...
cladkit product news
Baux has worked with scientists from the Royal Institute of Technology to create Baux Acoustic Pulp, a plant-derived acoustic solution
Baux, an acoustic products brand based in Sweden, has developed a line of biodegradable acoustic panels, using a plant-based material
...
The Sequel collection is billed as the 'most waste-efficient and sustainable' on the market
Alusid, a creator of eco-friendly surfaces, has partnered with Parkside to launch the Sequel range, the brand's first collection of
...
The system is designed to enable users to create multifunctional, adaptable pieces, where they are in complete control of the design and function of their furniture
British designer Paul Kelley has created a modular magnetic cube furniture system that enables users to create multifunctional, adaptable pieces,
...
