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Genesis House, “Palais de Justice” / PLANDA

By David Basulto — Filed under: Houses , , ,
 
http://www.vimeo.com/2577189

Paris / NY based architects PLANDA designed this house based on the  cover of Cross, the album by the french band Justice, by inserting a residential program on the iconic shape of the Cross. The Cross is placed on a cliff at Santa Catalina island, California.

More after the break.

Justice – Cross, album cover

 

49 comments »

bentply says:

Great video. It seems that architects never give up their dream of becoming rockstars. I’m guessing this is conceptual because I have a tough time believing that L.A. County Code would allow that massive cantilever.

I like it.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:15
Smith says:

Absolute lack of innovation.
Why not a house in the form of the David’s star, of the Islamic Croissant.
It is very easy to put a house in any shape (and it has been done enough).
What’s the point of this one?
I don’t see any quality there sorry.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:26
xing says:

I agree with Smith, there should be a reason for the form, just too religonous.

the scale of the model, when put on the cape, it is too big, in the existing environment.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:30
icecream says:

Le culte de l’object.
Architecture based on symbolism…
not a fan

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:31
devoid says:

The video is so good, that nearly makes this good architecture.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:41
naturelovelife says:

Other than the fact that it brings to mind the famous Csa Malaparte house (1937) by Adalberto Libera on the island of Capri I don’t see anything of substance to this project.
Too much hype over a religious symbol and the notion of the isolated house on the edge of a cliff…

 
# January 14, 2009 at 13:59

More than a religious symbol, it´s just a tribute over the Justice icon – a very well known french electro duo.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 14:19
tomi says:

what is the name of the song during the video??? pleaselet me know if sy knows

 
# January 14, 2009 at 15:11
sanguine entity says:

you all are being ridiculous. as architects we build what the client asks for. if the client wants a home to fit into the symbol for “Justice” or the Holy Cross or the Star of David or the Crossing Swords of Saudi Arabia… what have you, and they’re paying top dollar for it – I have little faith any of you would decline. From what is visible, it looks like a decent solution for the plan albeit agreed a bit out of scale and even better… a great induction to the site to hide the fact that it is one giant cross. A truly smooth move of architecture to appease both the client and the architect.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 15:34
powkey says:

heres a shocker… the song is called Justice – by Genesis.

This building is very interesting though. It makes you wonder what is good architecture because it seems like such a beautiful building and so well done. It is simple, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
But, is it worth looking past the crucifix form? I mean, it really limits what type of people will live in this building in the future (certainly not any non-catholics). Though it seems like it could be very popular amongst catholics.

Unfortunalty, It also seems like one of those kitsch buildings you see when your grandpa forwards you the list of the “50 wackiest homes”.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 15:57
sanguine entity says:

the song is Genises
its by the parisian group, Justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThKNt-GY1ww

 
# January 14, 2009 at 16:02
Duncan Bain says:

The above comments are evidence, if ever any was needed, that far too many lazy people never read the text that comes along with these articles before posting their views. Also that architects are by and large COMPLETELY humourless and that their knowledge of contemporary music, and by extension taste, sucks :D.
Juus-tiiice!

 
# January 14, 2009 at 20:23
Mo says:

This is one of those lame, pointless projects that come by once in awhile on architectural weblogs. What I don’t understand is why ArchDaily, a well-respected blog in my opinion, would let something like this showcased alongside with many decent projects.

The firm’s work from their website isn’t as exciting either; it reminds me of an undergrad student’s portfolio.

 
# January 14, 2009 at 22:20
Carlo says:

HORRIBLE, in fact this is quite offensive in so many ways. It offends the profession, religion and the environment. the concept is alarmingly trivial!! How can this “office” practice as architects and how do they got their diploma. i hereby ask the administrators to delete this post from the blog, just out of respect towards the profession of the Architects.

I mean, really, i’ m speechless!!

 
# January 15, 2009 at 05:23
Leijon says:

I’m surprised that so many responders here are COMPLETELY missing the point.
Ok, so it might not be the most innovative building architecturally, but if you are at all familiar with Justice (the French group), this is a fun “tribute”.
Not meant to be a religious “slap in the face” at all..
The band is quite controversial, and so is this design.
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1807724,00.html

“Art is meant to disturb. Science reassures.”
- Georges Braque

 
# January 15, 2009 at 06:05
Carlo says:

What has a Fan (or Fun) Tribute to do with Architecture? I mean, are you serious?
Lets leave the tributes to (mediocre) bands to concerts, tshirts etc.!

So this is your argument: No it is not a cross , its from a cover design with a cross on it!
Also if it isnt meant as a religious “slap in the face” you cannot deny the symbolic associations that a building can produce. The author should be aware of that. An architect has also a social responsability.

I wouldnt declare this childish thing here even a design!

George Braque would turn over in his grave for being quoted in such a context!

 
# January 15, 2009 at 06:28
Fred says:
# January 15, 2009 at 09:33
oreo18 says:

Architects, get over yourselves and have some fun like these guys.
-Love,
Product Designer

 
# January 15, 2009 at 14:15
J says:

God bless JUSTICE. God bless PLANDA.

Please people, as oreo18 already said: have some fun! Don’t take everything too serious! Once in a while we’re still the little kids, playing around with Lego or models. And once in a while we feel the same as the rock stars like Justice.

 
# January 15, 2009 at 16:24
Brett says:

I want one too, but can they design me one that’s upside-down?

 
# January 15, 2009 at 18:44
Rj says:

You design what you are told to design, architecture is not for stroking an architects ego. A client wants a house based on an album cover and you design it because that’s the job. Despite the fact that it’s silly and not particularly innovative, this is a fun design. Remember fun?

 
# January 16, 2009 at 02:41
claude.mallia says:

envy any one?
cummon forget the band, forget the cross, forget religion,
aint that perched structure attractive? who has never dreamt of building such a structure in such a marvelous location? …while at the same time hearing some innovative music. btw who are ‘Justice’?
and oh…no i wouldn’t live in a cross.

 
# January 16, 2009 at 05:11
madman says:

Surly this is P.R for Justice and will never happen, let’s hope..

 
# January 16, 2009 at 06:18
Carlo says:

“you design what you are told to design” are you serious? oh, my god!

oh, sorry i should laugh here, because it is all just fun and humour.

 
# January 16, 2009 at 09:04
Saakshi says:

Very interesting video and so is the work……..

 
# January 17, 2009 at 08:31

I think it’s cool!

Simple Living Quaters.

– Jules.

 
# January 18, 2009 at 16:19
kozi says:

“boring” shape, useless, masturbation video, and crappy music band

-product/toy/transportation designer- (us$85,000 monthly salary)

(lol, why ppl have to sign their position?, does it give more credibility to what they say?)

 
# January 20, 2009 at 22:12
margo says:

This is a great and fun to watch, Gas and Xav loved it.If you check the website, Planda did some very interesting projects. Bien ouej Juju! 2R1S for ever.

 
# January 22, 2009 at 19:36
Jaime says:

Thanks god they aren’t fan of “the artist formerly known as prince”

 
# February 11, 2009 at 13:51
your God says:

OK, here’s my plan. lots of crucifix houses and buildings all over the world, so you would remember, that therefore I exist. please. :(

http://www.dezeen.com/2009/04/28/%E2%80%A8new-tamayo-museum-by-rojkind-arquitectos-and-big/#more-29549

 
# May 3, 2009 at 21:56
stefan says:

cruciform is hip again
http://www.sgroh.net/?p=411

 
# May 8, 2009 at 14:29
CMO ARCH says:

I thought the building was okay until I saw the site it was on, then I thought that the long end piece would be great! I’m not sure why people say that this is a poor design, it’s simple, and makes a lot of sense. Why can’t buildings that are simple and make sense be considered good architecturally anymore? I don’t understand half the comments and arguments you people make anymore. I think whoever up top who commented on the cantilever being conceptual cause of code was right, but if this is conceptual, I think it is great.

Stop complicating everything! Anyone of you would live in that house!

 
# May 20, 2009 at 15:06

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