Following on from their previous 'videopolemic' tribute to Lebbeus Woods, 32BNY has released their second video featuring artist and designer Vito Acconci's response to the question, "Is architecture art?". Having straddled both architecture and art throughout his carrer, Acconci is cleary comfortable in discussing their relationship, as he talks passionately about the importance of putting people at the center of both. "Because architecture is used... it can possibly be misused, and once it is misused, I think, the user goes one step further...than the architect".
More about Acconci after the break...
Although he first became prominent for his radical performance and installation art in the 1970's, Vito Acconci was deeply involved in furniture design and architecture towards the end of the 1980's - a natural step considering his belief that the public should be 'participants in' art rather than 'viewers of' it . After founding Acconci Studio in 1988 to explore theoretical design and building, he undertook many architectural and landscape projects - notably his collaboration with Steven Holl to design the facade of the Storefront for Art and Architecture in 1992. The facade, comprised of independently rotating panels which open the gallery to the street, blurs the distinction between the inside and the city and allows for several different configurations.
Although 32BNY admit they do not know what the terms 'cinematic architectural discourse', or 'videopolemic' mean, they are undeterred from their exploration. You can find out more about them and their work on their website.
