The Inventory of Resistance

Resist the things that seem inevitable.
Resist the people who appear invincible.
Resist accepting those who have been defeated.
Resist the flattery of those who have succeeded.

Resist the idea that contains the word “algorithm.”
Resist the notion that architecture is simply building.
Resist the belief that architecture can save the world.
Resist the idea that one day you’ll receive the grand commission of your life.
Resist taking on grand commissions.

Resist the suggestion that you must read Jacques Derrida in French.
Resist choosing the path of least resistance.
Resist the allure of things that are merely seductive.
Resist the urge to design an architectural concept inspired by a piece of music.

Resist the ever-growing belief that they are right.
Resist the feeling that they will win.

Resist the idea that you need a client to create architecture.
Resist the temptation to speak quickly.
Resist the demands of those who ask you to design only what’s visible.

Resist the idea that the era of hand drawings is over.
Resist the notion that the time of Frederick Kiesler’s works has passed.

“This book is an effort to share the unique drawings of Lebbeus Woods with the architectural and artistic community of Iran.”
Translated by Pouyan Rouhi and Sepideh Elmi