BOOK:S,M,L,XL, Monacelli Press

“S,M,L,XL” is perhaps the most famous Architectural book, the most massive and impressive at the era it was published (31/10/95), by the famous Architect Rem Khoolhaas together with Bruce Mau, Jennifer Sigler, and Hans Werlemann. This enormous, 1376-page tome combining essays, manifestos, diaries, fiction, travelogues, and meditations on the contemporary city, that were produced by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (O.M.A.) in the 20 years prior to publication. O.M.A. was founded in 1975 by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and Greek Architect Elia Zenghelis, along with Madelon Vriesendorp and Zoe Zenghelis. He changed the image of Urban Architecture, adding new elements, changing the volume and the forms, creating especially a relationship similar to the sculpture in volume (XL). The reason for these thoughts and the return to a booκ from the past, which should not be missing from the library of those interested in Architecture, is our meeting at the Preview of FIAC 2016, It was not our first meeting but a different one, a decade ago Ι had attended a lecture he gave made at Megaron( Athens Concert Hall) in Athens under the “Megaron Plus” presentations, there he seemed XL, even some of the participants characterized him, the ‘’Pop Idol’’ of Architecture. However in FIAC 2016, that he wasn’t at the podium, he looked M-L (normal) to me, as we all a little tired by the size of the exhibition. He was more human and I liked when we crossed again in the exit, that he lose patience with the rain as I did, since none of us had an umbrella, because his daughter was very young, the only person who was totally calm was his wife. I admire his personality and his work and I was very glad to meet him again and I realized that he is still ‘’S,M,L,XL’’ like all the creative people.-Efi Michalarou