Habitus Magazine | Issue 39

Where does our fascination with fame come from? And why, in this century and the latter half of last, has it become such a dirty word? In the past, historic figures – celebrities of their day – received their status for their contribution to society. They were pioneers, leaders, explorers, philosophers, mathematicians and scientists.

Welcome to the 21st century. The social media phenomenon has given us access to the rest of the world and suddenly it’s easier than ever to build your profile and spread your message – whatever that message may be. Social media ‘influencers’, ill-advised yet strongly opinionated business leaders, misguided actors and actresses, and others of their ilk have cheapened what it means to be recognised.

In this issue, we want to celebrate the icons of our industry, to give them the elevated level of recognition they deserve for their contributions to the region. Tadao Ando (page 52) is one of our region’s most humble architects, in his work as much as in his ‘celebrity’. The words that struck me the most this issue came from the man himself, reminiscing on his iconic Row House, a house that features neither heating nor air conditioning. He says: “When the client came to me and asked me what he would do when it became too cold in the house, I told him to wear a sweater. When he asked me what would happen if it got even colder, I told him to wear many sweaters.”

Penelope Seidler (page 82) has made it her life’s mission to live and breathe architecture, and with the recognition she’s received been an adamant patron of the arts.

To the emerging architects, designers and creatives among us we want to inspire confidence and foster their future journey; to help them achieve all that appeals.

Holly Cunneen | Deputy Editor