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September 09, 2024

Cryptic Design

Cryptic Design

For the Yale Architectural Journal, Perspecta 56, entitled ‘Not Found’, Christopher Clarkson and Theo Deutinger wrote the article ‘Cryptic Design’.

The editors of Perspecta decided to focus this issue on exploring architecture as a form of concealment and disguise - architecture is the perfect form of camouflage. When asked to contribute to this issue, the experience of a failed contribution to a book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates seemed a perfect fit.

In reviewing this project, the phenomenon of intellectual and creative camouflage was identified as ‘cryptic design’. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) utilises camouflage to disguise autocratic ideologies for political and economic advantage. This not only benefits an authoritarian regime, but also companies, such as large architecture firms, and nation states that rely on stable relations with the country.

 

Client: Yale Architectural Journal

Team: Christopher Clarkson, Theo Deutinger

Christopher Clarksen, Theo Deutinger