sui caedere

A friend in the fashion world called me today to tell me the news. And when I heard it, I was speechless. I was shocked to hear about Alexander McQueen's death. So young, so 40 and so dead - what tragedy. I'm sure his latest collection will be sold out even before it hits the runway. Gucci group must be grinning from ear to ear, especially in our current economic climate. It may sound insensitive but I'm sure it's true. Suicide. Artist often do it, fashion designer and models certainly dabble in it, writers get very close to it and actors/actresses are infamous for it. In the creative world, it is de-rigueur to commit suicide. A final act of artistic defiance. A middle finger to life itself. And soon after the artist commits suicide, their works are elevated to such a high degree only the Gods can touch it. Obviously, the financial gains and immortality are not the only reason; mental disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism (uh-oh!), drug abuse and schizophrenia have a significant role as well. All these undesirable circumstances contribute to the final act.

Which begs the question, why don't more Architects commit suicide? After all, our profession is littered with people all wanting to be immortal. To be remembered hundreds of years after their death and wish that their mediocre buildings will be honoured and celebrated as one of the greats. How shallow but true!

In my selfish opinion, if more Architects follow our other creative siblings, the world would be a better place. Gone are the opinionated, arrogant bastards and there will be new blood fresh from college all the time. For this idea to work there should be a government legislation stipulating that crap buildings built by the deceased will only remain standing for 3 years. After which, the building in question will be demolished and no trace should be left for the next project. This cycle of regeneration continues thus help revive the local environment and stop Architects creating pathetic spaces. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The public gets better buildings and the Architects are able to dispose their arch-nemesis without going to jail.

I chanced upon a graffiti in London about suicide (see above) - 'SUICIDE IS MANS WAY OF TELLING GOD. YOU CAN'T FIRE ME - I QUIT!'