Idoia Otegui Examines Humor as an Architectural Tool in New Book from Ediciones Asimétricas
In her book "Arquitectura se escribe con hache (de humor)," released by Ediciones Asimétricas, Idoia Otegui posits that humor should be viewed as an attitude within architectural practice rather than merely a stylistic choice. The work delves into the cognitive aspects of humor's perception and generation through three mediums: graphic humor (drawing), joke humor (viewer interaction), and serious humor (irony). Techniques such as defamiliarization and decontextualization encourage unbiased experimentation. Otegui emphasizes the overlooked role of humor in architecture, suggesting it bridges the gap between designers and users of spaces. A gardener, researcher, architect, and professor, Otegui has led her studio since 2000 and teaches Architectural Projects at UAH, recently completing her doctorate focused on humor in architecture and education. Gardening aids her in managing negative emotions.
Key facts
- Idoia Otegui's book "Arquitectura se escribe con hache (de humor)" is published by Ediciones Asimétricas
- The essay frames humor as an attitude rather than a formal style or adjective in architectural practice
- Three media of architectural humor are explored: thinking by drawing, viewer-activating winks, and irony as critical device
- Strategies discussed include defamiliarization, decontextualization, and changes of scale
- The author identifies scant attention to humor in current architecture as a striking void
- Otegui has directed her own studio since 2000, practicing an "architecture in lowercase"
- She teaches Architectural Projects at the UAH and recently became a Doctor
- Her research applies humor's modes as creative process and as critical, communicative, and cognitive resource in pedagogy
Entities
Artists
- Idoia Otegui
Institutions
- Ediciones Asimétricas
- UAH
- Veredes
Locations
- Spain
Sources
- Veredes —