As both a problem and a design tool, the reference has been a recurring theme in architecture. Furthermore, recent discussions regarding copyright have brought this notion back to the forefront, necessitating a conceptual update, which serves as the focus of this 95th issue of ARQ.
The photo essay reviews the El Museo de Copias (Museum of Copies) exhibition at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Santiago. In an interview with Ana Miljački, Fabrizio Gallanti analyzes issues surrounding copyright. A project by Ines Weizman takes this subject to its ultimate conclusion. Sam Jacob proposes a contemporary homage to Adolf Loos, whose project for the Chicago Tribune we also revisit. Alberto Sato examines the cases of John Soane and Aby Warburg. José Moráis studies Islamic references in 19th-century Chilean architecture. Diego Arraigada presents a house that pays homage to Jorge Scrimaglio. De la Cerda and Correa execute a project based on a synthesis of references. Enrique Walker describes how his workshops push the concept of the reference to its critical limit. Federico Soriano develops a project based on the assembly of references. Pilar Pinchart presents the influences found in the work of Steven Holl. Carreño and Sartori showcase a project whose references exist but are not immediately obvious. Alejandra Celedón and Gabriela García de Cortázar present architect Margarita Pisano as a reference point for feminism in Chile. To conclude the thematic arc proposed by this issue, Boris Groys explores the contemporary logic of self-reference.
