Dezeen Magazine

Live panel discussion with OMA's Reinier de Graaf about his novel The Masterplan

Dutch architect Reinier de Graaf talked about his latest novel The Masterplan in this live panel discussion by Dezeen for Architecture Matters.

De Graaf, who is a partner at architecture firm OMA, spoke to Dezeen's founder and editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs about the book, which tells of a young architect's pursuit of recognition.

Fairs and De Graaf were joined by Russian architect Olga Aleksakova, co-founder of architecture studio Buromoscow, and architect and writer Mahfuz Sultan.

Reinier de Graaf
Architect Reinier de Graaf, author of The Masterplan and partner at OMA

In addition to the book's themes of legacy and the architectural dream, the panel also discussed masterplanning and the relationship between writing and architecture.

The Masterplan follows De Graaf's critically acclaimed first book Four Walls and a Roof: The Complex Nature of a Simple Profession, a collection of De Graaf's experiences and thoughts on contemporary architecture.

In addition to writing, De Graaf also founded OMA's think-tank AMO, and is a visiting professor of urban design at the University of Cambridge.

The architect recently spoke to Dezeen about the studio's work on two hospital projects and how he envisions the hospital of the future.

Olga Aleksakova
Architect Olga Aleksakova, co-founder of Buromoscow

Aleksakova is the co-founder of Buromoscow, which she set up in 2004 with fellow architect Julia Burdova.

The pair are best known for designing landmark public spaces and mass housing in Moscow, including Triumfalnaya Square and Block 10.

Sultan is an architect, writer and co-founder of Los Angeles research and design studio Clocksss together with Chloe Wayne.

Sultan's writing, which covers science fiction, art, digital space and more, has been featured in such publications as 032c, Art Papers, Pin-Up and i-D.

Produced by Dezeen for Architecture Matters, the talk launched the second part of Architecture Matters' three-day virtual conference, which runs from 24-26 March 2021.