Looney Tune Architecture

Peter Eisenman discusses the misguided urge of many architects -– himself included -– to create works more for the front page of newspapers than for the people who will live with them.

1 minute read

November 17, 2003, 1:00 PM PST

By David Gest


In a lecture in San Francisco, Peter Eisenman changed his traditionally provocative tune somewhat, criticizing the recent sensationalist trend in architecture. "We're into Looney Tunes," he said. "Ultimately, architecture is not about putting images in the New York Times, but about creating places for people to be." Focusing on the impact of architecture on the lives of everyday people, Eisenman "began by critiquing a world where spectacle is in style -- and his criticism cuts with sharp, swift strokes. 'Architecture has gotten more and more frenetic. It has spun out of control...The New York Times demands these [unconventional] images because dumb, straightforward images don't sell papers.' " The events of September 11, which Eisenman witnessed, made him think harder about the impact of the built environment on peoples' lives. "I used to say that what finally got built didn't matter -- what counted was the design as I saw it in my head," he said. "I can't believe I ever thought that."

Thanks to David Gest

Thursday, November 13, 2003 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

A large Google data center building in the Netherlands.

Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands

USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.

5 hours ago - USC News

Close-up of smartphone with Zoox logo and screen with blurred image of Zoox autonomous vehicle in background.

Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA

Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.

7 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

NYC MTA train on elevated rail with Manhattan skyline visible in background.

New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead

The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.

May 4 - Bloomberg CityLab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO