I have listened to this episode several times, and each time I find something valuable. I am fascinated by the idea that Architecture can be inhumane. I am a professional musician by training, but If I had chosen a different career, it would have been in architecture. For me, this discussion has implications for music as well. These are discussions that musicians have had as well--there is music that creates a humane environment and fosters positive mental health, and there is also music that has the opposite effect. I would love to know what you think of this connection. In any case, I have passed the podcast along to several colleagues and friends--it's such a wonderful conversation! Worldview makes the difference here.
I had a chance to read "A Theory of Architecture", very eye-opening and inspirational. As an architecture student it is a must read. This is the cure to the current decadence and banality in modern architecture
Thanks for sharing this discussion, more like it need to be had in the public sphere to help more people recognize the possibility of a new gift economy where life giving qualities are given greater valued, based on what they can offer to the well being of people and the environment. On the positive side, the importance of decentralization seems to be gaining traction across many disciplines, so I agree with you that momentum is building. The pandemic has showed the fragility of a hyper-ordered global (trade) system that seeks to maximize efficiency. Embracing redundancy and adaptability will be necessary when considering the limits of growth. One critique of a unified theory of architecture is that a dogmatic approach does not embrace uncertainty and tends to divide people. We should seek to maximize individual freedom and focus our efforts the pragmatic needs of our communities (i.e. creating a higher degree of life) and celebrate the architects who attempt to do this.
He is just not showing the "medical evidence" because it is frail- unfortunately aesthetics is not so simple. The discussion should be on the nature of that evidence. Please just include it here and comment on it.
Yes, absolutely. Look up the Institute for Classical Art & Architecture for starters. They are an institution that is heavily involved in the revival of traditional techniques. Also, look up "Ong-ard Satrabhandu" and "Michael G. Imber" for some great traditional architects working today.
I find that most people who aren't entrenched in the world of contemporary art and architecture -- so just your average layperson like myself -- only use the word "beautiful" to describe traditionally beautiful things. Even if the person is a fan of Gehry or Pei, he would unconsciously shy away from the word "beautiful", instead describing their work as "iconic" or "genius".
