Symptomatically presented in the very last pages, the project is the only one that is not a formal exercise done with digital tools (= twisted virtual amoebas), the only one presented as a narrative, and one of the few entries that explores the theme of vertical architecture with a minimum of critical scrutiny. In general, the proposals are naive and condescending, all reflecting the numb state in which contemporary digital architects are in. The skyscraper’s narrative was written by Carlos, who also made the sketches of the first version. Then he invited architect Bruno Campos (BCMF Arquitetos) to redraw the story with his comics-influenced night stroke – and this is the version published in this massive 10-pound catalog (pictured below). Some years later, the story would be redesigned once again by Portuguese illustrator Vasco Mourao, and this is the version published in The Absolute Condominium (C/Arte, 2009, Carlos M Teixeira & Vasco Mourao) and in the november/2011 issue of Time Out SP magazine (see post below).
ArchDaily outlined seven of the 300 projects, including our Never Ending Tower.
Below, the presentation that appears in the book:
“The contest recognizes outstanding ideas that redefine skyscraper design through the implementation of new technologies, materials, programs, aesthetics, and spatial organizations. Studies on globalization, flexibility, adaptability, and the digital revolution are some of the multi-layered elements of the competition. It is an investigation on the public and private space and the role of the individual and the collective in the creation of dynamic and adaptive vertical communities. Over the last six years, an international panel of renowned architects, engineers, and city planners have reviewed more than 4,000 projects submitted from 168 countries around the world.Participants include professional architects and designers, as well as students and artists. This book is the compilation of 300 outstanding projects selected for their innovative concepts that challenge the way we understand architecture and their relationship with the natural and built environments.”
More reviews at:
Archdaily: http://www.archdaily.com/186986/evolo-skyscrapers/
Archidose: http://archidose.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-dynamics-de-realisation-and.html
Archinect: http://archinect.com/news/article/33335726/evolo-skyscrapers-limited-edition-book
Architizer: http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/34024/giveaway-skyscraper-evolo/
Inhabitat: http://inhabitat.com/book-review-evolo-skyscrapers-a-reference-manual-to-the-future/
eVolo Skyscrapers edited by Carlo Aiello
eVolo, 2011
Hardcover, 1,224 pages
Size: 9″ x 11.5″ x 2.5″
ISBN: 978-0-9816658-4-9
Limited edition: 500 copies