The Issue of Identity

In this fifth issue of Fresh Meat, we look at the value of identity, specifically its relationship to the discipline of architecture. We converse with Robert E. Somol about how he redefined the identity of the School of Architecture at UIC. Sam Jacob and FAT look to the not-so-distant past of postmodernism in order to reify their practices and articulate their own identity. In our conversation with Julien De Smedt, he discusses the importance of balancing a clear identity without letting it limit your work. Ed Dimendberg reveals how his role as the outsider, or the “stranger,” in architecture works to help distinguish the identity of the discipline itself. We hope that the dialogue developed in these pages adds insight to the discourse, and, at the very least, provides a better understanding of the nature of the beast.