(from a forum conversation on boardgame geek, elaborated to tie into architecture)
There’s a particular game of Go between two masters that’s held up as a classic, even for the eventual loser. Perhaps it’s strange that one’s best game would be one you lost, but I like that attitude.
There is an interesting idea in our Tai Chi class. When we do push hands (basically trying to make your partner lose their balance) we use the term “partner”. It is light martial training for real confrontations, but they strongly emphasize the fact the person your training with is not an “opponent”. In that vein, this anecdote seems like a case where the high quailty game that was produced came because both game partners so skilled.
I think its because of my background starting with residential remodels and additions, but I’ve always contended that great architecture often arises due to a confrontation between an architect and nasty limitations. When given a blank slate, even the most brilliant architects struggle with the lack of limitations. That’s why I think Villa Savoye is a great rhetorical gesture, but I find Villa La Roche an infinitely more interesting project.