Ben Katchor's comics of bygone New York | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

These stories explore the intricacies of architectural design, from the sound of a light switch to the beauty of temporary structures and the significance of the human lap.

Key Insights

• 🏢Architecture: The sound of a common wall light switch can greatly affect our perception of a room, making it either pleasant or unpleasant. The choice of switch design and sound should be given more consideration by architects and designers.
• 🏙️Urban Development: Small, temporary buildings that only generate enough income to cover the land taxes can provide a delightful alternative to large-scale structures. They offer a break from high-density development and add a touch of uniqueness to the urban landscape.
• 🪑Design: The lap, as a platform for personal belongings and a symbol of comfort and security, has evolved throughout history. From ancient Egypt to modern ventriloquism, the architectural beauty and intimate relationship with the owner make it a fascinating element to explore.
• 🍇Art: The Haverpiece Collection, consisting of European dried fruit, is an unconventional art form that sits between still-life painting and plumbing. The unique shapes and textures of dried fruit evoke a sense of aesthetic appreciation and intrigue.
• 💡Innovation: Technology and advancements have allowed for improvements in light switches, but the click sound remains unchanged. Despite the potential for creative alternatives, people seem to have settled for the familiar sound of a traditional switch.
• 🌆City Development: Venerable taxpayers, small buildings designed to cover land taxes, have defied efforts of developers to replace them with high-rise constructions. These structures provide a temporary respite from high-density developments and contribute to the city's architectural diversity.
• 🦱Generational Perception: Children and teenage girls have a heightened awareness of the architectural beauty of a deep lap, understanding its structural integrity and comfort. As adults, we often long for the nostalgic experience of sitting on a lap but struggle to recreate it.
• 🏛️Museum and Preservation: The Haverpiece Collection, a unique collection of European dried fruits, remains stored in a nondescript warehouse awaiting funds for a permanent museum and study center. The preservation and potential display of these unconventional art pieces is a worthwhile endeavor.

Transcript

I'm going to read a few strips. These are, most of these are from a monthly page I do in and architecture and design magazine called Metropolis. And the first story is called "The Faulty Switch." Another beautifully designed new building ruined by the sound of a common wall light switch. It's fine during the day when the main rooms are flooded with... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the sound of a light switch click significant in the design of a room?

The speaker suggests that the sound of a light switch click colors our first impression of a room and questions if it is an imitation of disappointment or an amplified sound of a synapse firing in a cockroach's brain. We instinctively expect a certain sound when entering a dark room, and the click can shape our perception of the space.

Q: What makes temporary structures, like the taxpayer buildings, a delightful alternative to high-rise structures?

The taxpayer buildings, despite their modest architectural appeal, offer a break from the high-density development and provide light and air in otherwise crowded areas. They serve as a reminder that not every architectural idea needs to be permanent, and their perfect temporariness adds charm to the cityscape.

Q: How does the speaker characterize the relationship between the lap and its owner?

The speaker describes the lap as a platform for the possessions of the dead in ancient Egyptian culture and later recognized as a Grecian temple. It then shifts to its role in holding children, showcasing the structural integrity and architectural beauty of a deep avuncular lap. The relationship between the lap and its owner is portrayed as direct and intimate.

Q: What is the significance of the Haverpiece collection of European dried fruit?

The Haverpiece collection, which originated from unsold stock in wooden storefront galleries, is seen as an art form bridging still-life painting and plumbing. Despite its unconventional nature, the collection holds peculiar beauty and is in the process of being preserved and showcased in a future permanent museum and study center.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Faulty Switch" discusses the impact of the sound made by a common wall light switch on the perception of a room's design.

• "In Praise of the Taxpayer" celebrates the charm and temporariness of small-scale structures that defy high-rise development in the city.

• "On the Human Lap" delves into the historical and cultural significance of the lap as a platform and its architectural beauty.

• "The Haverpiece Collection" delves into the peculiar world of a collection of European dried fruit and its potential as an art form.