rem koolhaas adorns exclusive american express black card with original drawings

in collaboration with american express, rem koolhaas will soon launch what may be his smallest project yet dubbed the ‘art card.’ the OMA founder works together with the multinational corporation as a unique outlet for artistic inspiration, transforming the famous centurion card with elements of one of his earliest drawings. the 1982 drawing was first created as part of a high-profile commission to redevelop a central district in rotterdam, a city that had been almost entirely destroyed following german bombings during the second world war. rem notes that the early project, dubbed ‘boompjes,’ offered a reimagined urban fabric, a ‘vision for better living.’ this vision was rendered with a drawing style that was graphic and modern — although the project was ultimately left unbuilt, its representational legacy is soon to be embodied on the ultra-exclusive black card.

images courtesy of american express

want to get your hands on a rem koolhaas-designed american express ‘art card?’ the first step is to become a member of amex’s exclusive centurion tier, which involves both many benefits and some hefty fees. until then, print versions of ‘boompjes’ drawings are held at the museum of modern art and can be viewed online here. the drawing selected for the card was part of the larger unbuilt project, which was proposed as an assemblage of towers united by a lifted slab. the silkscreen drawing was created together with italian architect stefano de martino and marks an homage to the heritage of OMA, which was founded in rotterdam in 1980 — the firm’s early headquarters were even located beside the boompjes plot.