One of my all-time favorite examples of appropriation is Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schumacher’s idea of Parametricism, an architectural movement that they believe will be the next great thing.

Recently released as a manifesto, the ideals and rulings behind parametricism as an architectural movement are supposedly unique and revolutionary. But is this really the case? Schumacher’s manifesto (to be found here: http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametricism%20as%20Style.htm) quotes nearly word-for-word the ideals and rulings of previous architectural movements, but–get this–completely without proper accreditation. That, to me, is a crime, and I’m both impressed and slightly appalled that reputable art journals and architectural magazines haven’t picked up on it yet. Then again, as Hadid and Schumacher repeatedly make the impossible claim that Parametricism is the next great architectural movement, it becomes more obvious that major players in the architectural community are simply recognizing it for what it is: a passing phase.

I have written an essay on the subject, which I will post shortly, that explains more about Parametricism and where it came from. Here’s a link to a hilarious blog-post about Parametricism: http://blog.marcantonioarchitects.com/architectural-quackery-at-its-finest-parametr

In the meantime, here are some examples of Zaha Hadid’s idea of Parametricism. Most of these have yet to be realized in built form (due to the obscene costs associated with building this type of architecture), with the exception of the last photo, which shows a movable exhibit commissioned by and infamous designer clothing company, Chanel. Coco Chanel, as an interesting side-note, was sympathetic to the Nazi cause and had to flee Paris with her German lover to live in exile for many years before returning to France, but we’ll save that story for another time.

The main architectural movements that were ripped off by Parametricism are Blobitecture and Organicism. With further research, I could probably find two or three more.

If these shapes and buildings fascinate you, I strongly suggest looking at the book of Zaha Hadid’s architectural drawings and paintings to be found in the U of S library. My favourite ones are her conceptual paintings circa 1985. The last image in the gallery is a great example.