Scratching the Surface 37. Jack Self
Jul 26, 2017
In a thought-provoking conversation, Jack Self, a London-based architect, writer, and founder of The Real Foundation, delves into the intersection of architecture and philosophy. He shares insights from his unique journey, including the impact of Occupy on his views. Jack emphasizes the importance of material culture in contemporary discourse, revealing how design can reflect and address political issues. He explains how The Real Review caters to both the general public and design professionals, advocating for clarity and engagement in architectural writing.
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Space Enacts Ideology
- Jack realized public protests were limited by privatized urban space, noting St. Paul's as an exception.
- He sees spatial design as a direct expression of ideology and power relations in cities.
Force Clarity Through Editing
- Edit ruthlessly for clarity: short sentences, short paragraphs, and avoid jargon to make long-form writing accessible.
- Strong editing and economy of language help present complex ideas to both design professionals and general readers.
Prioritize Legibility In Long-Form
- Avoid jargon and measure legibility: short sentences and paragraphs improve reader comprehension.
- Design long-form pieces to be dense yet easy to read so non-specialists stay engaged.
