Untitled lecture on nationalism in architecture, by Mark Cousins, 19th May, 1989

Extent: 2 digital files (298 MB )

Comprises video recording of an untitled lecture given by Mark Cousins on the 18th and 19th May, 1989, as part of the conference 'Nationality and Internationality in Architecture', organised by the AA Graduate School. The conference took place from 10am in the AA Main Lecture Hall, Bedford Square. The recordings consist of a digital preservation copy (198 MB, .MPG format) and a digital access copy (100 MB, .MP4 format). Duration of access version: 20min 53sec.

Copyright: Architectural Association

Creator: Mark Cousins

Admin History: The lecture was part of the conference entitled 'Nationalism and Internationality in Architecture' organised by the AA Graduate School from the 18th - 19th May, 1989. Speakers included Geoff Bennington, Tim Benton, Frank Duffy, David Dunster, Stephen Feuchtwang, Sokratis Georgiadis, Taisto Makela, Cedric Price, Carole Rusche, Yehuda Safran and Alexandra Wedgewood. According to the AA Events List , the conference attempted to "investigate the meaning of the term 'national' style in architecture, together with other collective categories, such as local, regional, continental as well as the ethnic dimensions to architecture. The question will be posed how any image of a nation might be realised through architecture, and what indeed may be meant by the concept of a 'national identity... what is meant at an abastract and at a practical level, by the concept of an 'international style', and what might tbe relationship be between Modernism and the issue of the international character of architeture." In this paper, Mark Cousins discusses the fantasy of 'the nation', as an object which has a cultural existence, and questions of nationality. He explores the boundaries and frontiers of 'the nation' and discusses notions of 'the citadel' and 'the ghetto', which he presents as distinct examples.

Custodial History: The recording was made by the AA Audio Visual Department and retained by the AA Photo Library until 2019, when it was transferred to the AA Archives.

Aquisition: The recording was transferred from the AA Photo Libary to the AA Archives in 2019. Digital preservation and access copies were created by the AA Archives in 2021.

Archive Note: Catalogue description by Gabriela Jimenez

Publication Note: AA Events List, Summer Term, 15th - 19th May, 1989