Authenticity
Mr. Trump was elected to shake things up and challenge the political establishment. And to many of his core supporters, his incendiary dog whistles, bullhorn attacks and nonstop flouting of “political correctness” remain energizing symbols of authenticity. – David Axelrod, “Let Trump Destroy Trump” New York Times, Sept. 11, 2019
What’s authentic anymore?
If you haven’t asked yourself that question lately, then you haven’t been following the news, or bought groceries, or ordered “ethnic” cuisine, or visited (without necessarily learning from) Las Vegas.
Reality and fantasy, honesty and dishonesty, openness and subterfuge increasingly meet at a fuzzy border. We are all looking for clarity and having trouble finding it. The word that best describes the elusive quality – the thing we’re really looking for – is authenticity: something we can bank on.
In this issue we try to unravel some of the possible connections between authenticity and architecture. It’s not a new challenge, but it’s one that seems especially critical in today’s post-truth world.
Authenticity
For most of architectural history nobody worried about authenticity, until Morris, Sullivan and Loos insisted buildings answer for what they are.
Authenticity and Creative Invention
Bill Birdsell argues authenticity is not a style or a pedigree but what happens when a building moves you enough to describe it vividly to someone else.
On Authenticity in Architecture and Space
From a controversial Spanish castle restoration to the Museum of Jurassic Technology: authenticity in architecture is made by use, not material.
Being True to Oneself
Starting from the Rosetta Stone and its touchable replica, a case that authenticity in architecture means declaring what you are, not pretending to be something older.
Locations - Authenticity and Bogus Castles
A fibreglass castle at a Florida theme park, a Tudoresque dining chair, and experiments in Canada and the UK on whether we can spot a reproduction.