Season 4: Ep 1: Ayn Rand and the architect as hero

Ayn Rand’s philosophical novel The Fountainhead is one of the most-read and most  and quoted books of the 20th century. Dismissed and loved in equal measure, it polarised critics and readers. 

The Fountainhead expressed Rand’s strong beliefs about the role of the creator, the need for freedom, and the moral imperative of self-interest. One of the few novels dedicated to the profession of architecture, The Fountainhead’s ideas about architects and architecture continue to influence how we think about the profession today.

In this episode, Antony and Justine discuss the novel, its pros and cons, and why it is still a treasured reference for right-wing thinkers today.

Quote:

“In reviewing my career to date, I came to the conclusion that I have worked on a true principle: the principle that constant change is a necessity of life.  

Since buildings are an indispensable part of life, it follows that architecture must change constantly. 

I have never developed architectural prejudices for myself, but insisted on keeping my mind open to all the voices of the times.  

The fanatics who went around preaching that all structures must be modern were just as narrow minded as the hidebound conservatives who demanded that we employ nothing but historical styles.  

I do not apologise for those of my buildings which were designed in the Classical tradition.  

They were an answer to the needs of their era.  Neither do I apologise for the buildings which I designed in the modern style.  

They represent the coming better world.  It is my opinion that in the humble realisation of this principle lies the reward and the joy of being an architect.”

The character of architect Peter Keating, The Fountainhead

Links:

John Crace on Ayn Rand, The Guardian, 2009

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/mar/11/ayn-rand

Social:

Instagram:

@lightscitiesarchitecture

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-costigan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-dimase/

Credits:

Editor: Justine Costigan

This episode was recorded at Image online, Abbotsford, Australia.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-youLicense code: FKADBZMC5CF0HIR8