Untitled lecture by Mark Cousins, 23rd February, 2007

Extent: 2 digital files (3.41 GB)

Comprises audio recording of an untitled lecture given by Mark Cousins on the 23rd February, 2007. The recordings consist of a digital preservation file (2.38 GB, .mpg format) and a digital access file (1.03 GB .mp4 format). Duration of access version: 55min 22sec.

Copyright: Architectural Association

Creator: Mark Cousins

Admin History: The recording is of the 6th lecture in the series entitled 'The Ugly', given by Mark Cousins as part of the AA Open Lecture series, 2006-2007. In this lecture Mark Cousins proposes that, contrary to popular belief, 'the ugly' is not related to vision, but to the notion of reading and the collapse of the semiotic capacity of the reader. Cousins explores this concept via an argument by Ferdinande de Saussure which relates the system of language and onomatopoetic to the notion of sign and the system of visual comprehension. Cousins concludes that 'the ugly' emerges with the lack of recognition and overwhelming illegibility that comes with an object.

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, Spring Term, Week 7, 19th - 23rd February, 2007