Protecting Architecture from Politics: Michael Sorkin's All Over the Map - Book Review Example

Michael Sorkin, a renowned radical architect and professor of architecture in New York, City had many thoughts about protecting architecture from politics when writing the articles that make up ‘All Over the Map.’ The book is a critical response to the extensive changes in modern architecture and the built environment seen in the 21st century. Sorkin presents wide-ranging perspectives on how urban designs and architecture have continuously detached from societies and the lives of people. The book takes different perspectives, including criticizing the poor performance of contemporary structural design, mocking instructions formulated for entering high-security areas, and evaluating nature’s place in the globalized culture. The book comprises of 76 essays that provide insights into Sorkin’s opinion of modern architecture and urban plans.

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Michael Sorkin is a unique architecture, renowned for being principled, outspoken, brave, and highly informed. He was an architectural critic who wrote columns at Village Voice, a New York weekly magazine between 1978 and 1988 (Leorke, 2015, 99). Sorkin contributed to a commentary column in Architectural Record, where many essays in All Over the Map were extracted. Sorkin spoke strongly for the city, democracy, and architectural freedom (Leorke, 2015, 101). His articles critic developments such as the continued militarization of public spaces. He also suggests several proposals, such as the elevation of ground zero and the improvement of some city sections through commerce and building. Generally, Sorkin was highly passionate and opinionated about protecting architecture from politics that, in most instances, oppressed innovation.

The main argument in the book is based on the response to the 9/11 attack, which was marked by the Ground Zero’s site opening in Manhattan. The author holds that the space encourages peaceable assembly, which has become its most vital activity after the attack and should, therefore, remain open (Sorkin, 2013, 66). Sorkin voices his fears of Manhattan gradually turning into a massive gated community after the event. He speaks against the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which is spearheading the change. The author also rallies against the proposed Freedom Tower, arguing that its size, strength, and stress on heroism is misguided as it seems to commemorate victory (Sorkin, 2013, 116). In his argument, he focuses more on the ecology of the Lower Manhattan region, questioning the idea of erecting new buildings in this area. Sorkin reasons that filling the part with buildings to replace the ones lost during the 9/11 attack should not be the sole option for such previously hallowed ground (Sorkin, 2013, 119). As such, according to Sorkin, the idea to build the tallest tower is ecologically imprudent, and instead, the ground should remain a public space.

Conversely, Sorkin suggests that a world peace dome be built in the area instead of the proposed towers. This idea presents a combination of his thoughts and a judicious analysis of the political impacts of the 9/11 event. The proposition added to the heated debate on how to transform ground zero, between making it a vision or a commerce site (Sorkin, 2013, 67). Commerce won at the end, which was marked by the erection of the One World Trade Center tower, opened in 2013. Sorkin had a different view, arguing that the area should be made an uncompromised public space that would be used for assembly and expression, which are essential freedoms (Sorkin, 2013, 459). Although his proposal failed, his definition of open places in cities marks what people would wish to have in every town.

Another strong argument raised in the book is the crisis in the public realm, characterized by urban sprawl, increased privatization, and absurd security measures. Sorkin presents a solid point citing that the sprawl of urban centers is unsustainable, and cities would be a suitable choice (Sorkin, 2013, 146). He talks of sprawl as a significant contributor to urbanism, which could be untrue since the development of urban centers depends on several factors. The author also critics the increased privatization of everything, which has continued to drive people apart. He reasons that this rampant change has adverse impacts on society’s wellbeing. This argument is evident in the current increased private community setups and reduced communal events. Sorkin also notes the emerging high-security measures when entering buildings. He argues that Manhattan is gradually transforming into a national security city by adopting structural designs of manufactured fear (Sorkin, 2013, 178). This point is closer to the current reality with several security protocols implemented for entering most buildings.

Nevertheless, there are several weak points in Sorkin’s work. He argues that there has been a continual decline in architectural standards. The author holds that contemporary designs are incomparable to those seen in traditional buildings. The current ones comprise a series of laminations designed to smooth traffic flow, which is convenient for the shopping subjects (Sorkin, 2013, 81). While there has been a change in architectural designs, the current ones are an improvement of the past constructions. Although the 9/11 attack had devastating effects on affected buildings, it is not proof that they were weak. Besides, Sorkin’s Studio Star Hotel in China seems to adopt the modern designs, showing he envied and approved of some of such transformations.

Additionally, the designs that Sorkin proposes as a solution for the social issues he raises are not as convincing as the ultimate answers. In the book, the plans are mere drawings, and none of them has been actualized to a complete building. As such, his argument on such designs being the key answers is more theoretical than practical. There is no concrete guarantee that the suggested outlooks would not end up as unattractive structures that the author criticizes. Besides, Sorkin is deeply engrossed in form rather than appeal. He favors magnificent quasi-natural shapes that resemble rock formations (Sorkin, 2013, 346). With the changing perspectives on the charm and overall taste, it is unlikely that such structures would be acceptable in contemporary designs. Subsequently, they would not be suitable solutions for the highlighted social problems.

Generally, Sorkin targeted the general public and governing bodies in this book. He presents ideas that would be appreciated and understood by the general public, stressing the essence of the raised points. However, in some sections, the author uses architectural jargon that the broad audience may not understand and may be forced to skip such parts (Sorkin, 2013, 310). The book also presents some compromises that Sorkin struggles with as he criticizes the political-economic complexes. He states that he regularly travels to China by flight, yet he speaks against ecologically unfriendly activities. Also, Sorkin advocates for freedom and yet operates businesses and accepts a commission in China, which is not a liberal place. These compromises show the complexity of the position he holds despite pointing out several solid arguments.

Conclusion

Overall, All Over the Map is an insightful book, shows varied opinions on urban designs and architecture. Sorkin is not shy to outline his opinion and critic other bodies. The book gives arguments and presents different proposals, including drawings that he suggests would solve some social issues. The relevance of some points raised in his view, for instance, heightened security, can be seen in the current world. However, some topics, such as modern architecture being less robust, are debatable. The complexity of Sorkin’s propositions is seen in some of the activities he does, such as traveling by flight, which are against the points he raises. All Over the Map presents wide-ranging perspectives that track changes in designs and how Sorkin opinionated them through his articles.

References

Leorke, D. (2015). The struggle to reclaim the city: An interview with Michael Sorkin. Space and Culture, 18(1), 98-105.Sorkin, M. (2013). All over the map: Writing on buildings and cities. Verso Books.