Two thresholds may be identified as constituting “excess.” The first concerns the predominance of images over words: Arthur Brisbane’s assertion that “a picture is worth a thousand words” must be reconsidered, for language generates concepts and conveys essence, whereas images risk distorting and overstimulating meaning; in this sense, one might argue that a word is worth a thousand pictures. The second threshold relates to the notion of luxury, understood as the superfluous, whereby the proliferation of the unnecessary over the essential characterizes the restlessness of our age.
Luciano Zucchero, Architect
Zuchero Architects, Spain
This contribution is part of our ongoing survey “TOO MUCH? What is just enough?” where we collect personal reflections on excess and balance in life, architecture and design. We are gathering diverse, thought-provoking answers that will help shape future discussions and content.
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