War and Architecture

New York, N.Y.:Oct 11, 1988



War and Architecture
by Lebbeus Woods
1993

Architecture and War are not incompatible.
Architecture is War. War is Architecture.
I am at war with my time, with history, with all authority
that resides in fixed an frightened forms.
I am one of millions who do not fit in, who have no home, no family,
no doctrine, no firm place to call my own, no known beginning or end,
no "sacred and primordial site."
I declare war on all icons and finalities, on all histories
that would chain me with my own falseness, my own pitiful fears.
I know only moments, and lifetimes tht are as moments,
and forms that appear with infinite strength then "melt into air."
I am a architect, a constructor of worlds,
a sensualist who worships the flesh, the melody,
a silouette against the darkening sky.
I cannot know your name.  Nor can you know mine.
Tomorrow, we begin together the construction of a city.