'The Other and the Stranger': lecture by Mark Cousins, 13th November, 2009

Extent: 2 digital files 2.7 GB)

Comprises audio recording of a lecture entitled 'The Other and the Stranger', given by Mark Cousins on the 13th November, 2009. The recordings consist of a digital preservation file (1.71 GB, .mpg format) and a digital access file (0.99 GB .mp4 format). Duration of access version: 52min 49sec.

Copyright: Architectural Association

Creator: Mark Cousins

Admin History: The recording is of the 3rd lecture in the series entitled 'The Neighbour', given by Mark Cousins as part of the AA Open Lecture series, 2009-2010. In the beginning of this lecture Cousins states that the idea of 'the neighbour', despite its apparent inclusiveness, creates a distinction wherein the concept of 'the other' is born. Cousins unfolds this argument through an examination of some of Claude Lvi-Strauss's ideas and what he considers the futility of ethnographic research. Cousins also draws upon Emmanuel Levinas's concept of alterity, in its relation to desire- comparing this to Freud's 'lost object' and the concept of 'magical thinking'. Through the work of Levinas, Cousins suggests that we actually pursue 'the other' in order to discover ourselves.

Custodial History: Original recording (format unknown) was made by the AA Audio Visual Department and a digital copy (.iso format) has been retained on the department's servers since c2013.

Aquisition: Digital preservation and access copies were created by the AA Archives in 2021, using the digital file held by the the AA Audio Visual Department.

Archive Note: Catalogue description by Samaneh Karimelahi

Publication Note: AA Events List, Week 7, Autumn Term, 9th - 14th November, 2009