If you follow BIG, you’ve probably already seen Bjarke Angles talking about the sustainability of fun and how this concept permeates the Danish office’s bolder projects.
Hedonism, derived from the Greek word hedonismPleasure, which means “pleasure” or “will,” includes a group of theories that emphasize the importance of pleasure. Psychological or motivational hedonism posits that human behavior is driven by a basic desire to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. In this context, pleasure is seen not just as a simple aspect of life, but as the ultimate good, the guiding principle, and the moral basis of one’s existence.
In BIG’s philosophy, hedonism is closely linked to sustainability, and forms a fundamental aspect of the company’s overarching goal known as “Think Big”. This purpose includes projects that address social concerns while prioritizing fun and enjoyment. BIG designs offices and infrastructure to promote happiness and well-being among its users. In line with the principles of sustainability, hedonism takes shape in projects that do not harm the planet. As Bjarke Ingels asserts, there is no virtue in polluting the oceans to the point of making them unfit for swimming. In this context, hedonism is about embracing a life full of pleasure, such as biking across town, rather than being stuck in a traffic jam inside a car.
This concept was first developed during the construction of the Copenhagen Harbor Bath. It has been demonstrated that the demand for a clean and safe port and access to water was not only an environmental necessity, but also an advantage to the overall quality of life of Copenhagen residents. However, this was only the first of many projects that would arise under the same auspices. Among them, it is worth noting Al-Bayt 8, a 61,000-square-meter multi-use building in the shape of a bow tie that provides a continuous public road, extending from street level to the roof, through which one can cycle zigzag through the residences and their gardens from ground level to the top. . So is Copen Hill, a power station with a ski slope on the roof, which, according to Ingels, is the project that becomes the foundation of the city’s social life – its façade is developable, its roof is walkable, its slopes are skiable. A clear example of fun sustainability is a sustainable city that does the best for the environment and enjoyment of its citizens.
Regarding this latest project, the BIG founder acknowledges that it is a prime example of architecture’s ability to influence and shape the world in a way that is consistent with our desired future. This project introduces new norms and standards to the point that future generations will not remember the time when skating on the roof of the power plant or climbing its facades was impossible.
Thus, the concept of hedonic sustainability urges architects to go beyond regulations, explaining that rather than turning any project into a political or ethical dilemma, they should focus on the lifestyle that users will have in the built work, embodying the form in which they will be able to find what They desire it, whether through enjoyable experiences, quality of life, or appreciation for social aspects.
In an interview, Engels expressed his view that Brazilian modernism is inherently hedonistic. He compares it to the Anglo-Saxon architectural tradition, which he believes often led to plain, uniform, box-like structures. In contrast, Brazilian modernism, embodied in the architecture of places like Ipanema and Copacabana, is vibrant, innovative, and thought-provoking. Engels sees it as infrastructure designed to promote happiness, which is evident in features such as rooftop terraces. Although these terraces may initially have served practical purposes, they were used as leisure spaces, in keeping with his vision of architecture created for pleasure and luxury.
(Tags for translation)Architecture