The world of architecture is a contentious one, and it seems that Spencer Pratt, a former mayoral candidate, has found himself in the eye of the storm. In a series of posts on X, Pratt unleashed a tirade against what he calls 'slopitecture', a term he uses to describe the architectural style of the (W)rapperofficetower in Culver City, Los Angeles. This tower, designed by Eric Owen Moss, stands in stark contrast to the art-deco style that Pratt admires, exemplified by the Eastern Columbia Building in downtown LA.
Pratt's passion for preserving LA's architectural heritage is clear. He argues that the Eastern Columbia Building, constructed during the Great Depression, is a testament to the city's ability to create beauty even in challenging times. He praises its art-deco design, which he believes should be the defining aesthetic of the City of Angels. In his words, 'When you think of the most lovely and cherished buildings in LA... places you want to go, they’re all Art Deco.'
However, the (W)rapperofficetower, with its unconventional design, has sparked a different kind of debate. Moss, the architect, defends his work, stating that the building's 'nuanced' design encourages 'professional, entrepreneurial open-mindedness'. He believes that the tower's spatial variability and unique structure can foster creativity and innovation.
Pratt, however, is not convinced. He argues that the tower's design is an 'ugliness' that poisons the soul and makes people want to avert their eyes. He believes that such architecture has profound societal impacts, stating, 'This ugliness poisons the soul. How can you enjoy or take pride in where you live if you don’t even want to look at it?'
This controversy raises deeper questions about the role of architecture in shaping our urban environments. Is beauty truly subjective, or is there an inherent value in preserving a city's architectural heritage? What does it mean for a city to be 'beautiful'? These are the questions that Pratt's passionate commentary invites us to consider.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: architecture is not just about aesthetics; it's about the values we hold and the impact we want to have on our surroundings. Perhaps it's time for a broader conversation about the role of architecture in our lives and the responsibilities of those who shape our urban landscapes.
