Tag Archives: architecture

On The Necessary Steps for The Revival of Civic Art

Leave a reply

A city reflects the collective mindset of its residents. Its structure and condition mirrors the internal values and priorities of the people who occupy it. Consequently, the quality and state of the general organization of its urban fabric—such as pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, parking configurations, and green spaces—mirror the collective consciousness of the populace.

It is tempting to attribute the disorganization and urban problems of a town solely to the executive leader in charge, such as the mayor or governor. While these figures play significant roles, in democratic systems, they are not permanent appointments; they are replaced or re-elected over time. Leaving their offices to new faces and, thus, new policies. Democracy, by definition, places the power in the hands of the people, meaning that those who are in charge and shape the cities—the executives and legislators—are themselves products of the citizenry. Cities, therefore, are reflections of the collective understandings, priorities, and values of the population.

Since civic art is a multigenerational art form that takes a long time to complete, even if a visionary and highly capable executive were to implement sweeping reforms to reorganize a city with remarkable foresight during his tenure, the continuity and completion of his efforts would ultimately depend on those who succeed him. And without a well-educated and civic-minded populace, the next nomination would go to a leader with no understanding and appreciation for his predecessor’s works; therefore, his work would be rendered incomplete, and the cycle of urban dysfunction would inevitably repeat itself.

Philip IV in Armour, c, 1628. Oil on canvas, Madrid, Museo del Prado. By Velazquez1

On a separate note: The British historian, Colin Rowe, advocated for urban harmony achieved through a collage-like integration of architectural elements from various historical periods. He believed that juxtaposing structures from eras such as monarchical times, ancient Rome, and modern democracies creates a richly layered urban fabric. This approach, detailed in his work “Collage City,” emphasizes the value of diverse historical contributions coexisting within the urban environment.2

Continue reading →

Integration of Building and Landscape: Frederick Law Olmsted’s Approach

Leave a reply
Grounds of the US Capitol, by Frederick Law Olmsted 18741

Successfully designing a formal, pastoral, scenic, or sublime landscape involves a complex synthesis of artistic vision and horticultural expertise. A landscape architect must possess an in-depth knowledge of tree and plant species suited to specific climates and regions, as well as advanced skills in composition making and spatial arrangement. Achieving mastery in this field requires extensive research, hands-on experience, and a deep, inquisitive intellect. Only through rigorous study, practical application, and innate creativity can one effectively conceptualize and realize a harmonious and aesthetically compelling landscape in the likes of what Frederick Law Olmsted and Andrew Jackson Downing accomplished.

The already intricate task of balancing the inherent chaos of nature with structured order is further complicated when the necessity of integrating a man-made structure, a building, into the landscape is required.2 This building, a completely man-made intervention on the site, must not only harmonize with its natural surroundings but also stand out as a focal point within its immediate context. The challenge here lies in ensuring that the landscape design both complements and enhances the hierarchical order, with the building at the most prominent point. To achieve this, effective collaboration is essential. Individual egos must be set aside in favor of teamwork and a collective commitment to the overarching vision.

Continue reading →

A Proposal On The Revitalization of Gardening and Parks

Leave a reply

The thesis of this essay is on why we should revitalize and prioritize parks, parkways, park systems and the activity of gardening in the planning of new towns or cities, urban or suburban. This can only be achieved through the implementation and enforcement of proper urban planning policies with the underlying goal of progress in civility and societal refinement in mind. Below is a detailed argument in support of this premise.

When one embarks on a long term journey of personal fitness, periodically lifting weights at the gym or running in an outdoor environment with discipline, many other aspects of his life starts to get indirectly effected. He is more likely to eat clean, stand up straight with a good posture, better maintain his personal appearance and hygiene, be more sociable and confident, be more healthy in the eyes of his doctors, sleep better and be more sociable during the day. Thus, it may be said that routine exercise is a pivotal activity which positively influences other facets in our lives. And, so is gardening not just about finding the energy to water long forgotten plants in our balconies, but if practiced with discipline and in the right setting, also a pivotal activity which paves the way towards developing many other important human virtues.

Continue reading →

A Case For The Revival of Pure Forms in Architecture

1 Reply

Abstract: Through the discoveries made in astrophysics, it is safe to postulate that cosmic forces (gravity) exerted on mass prioritize on the long term establishment of equilibrium and purity. Our solar system is currently in its long term equilibrium phase, where planetary orbit takes place around the Sun and life flourishes on Earth. In Architecture, long term structural durability and aesthetic superiority may be achieved by implementing solids and voids that are designed with purity in mind. The geometric methods we may use for this deserves an entire separate paper or book on its own. The Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio has written extensively on these topics. However, in this essay, we will focus on the general argument for architectural purity. In times when liberated organic models of form dominate the avant-garde, it is appropriate and timely to present this alternative point of view.

The premise above will be disambiguated through worldly analogies, scientific observations and thought experiments presented in this paper.

An artistic illustration of Einstein’s theory of General Relativity, depicting a curved/bent fabric located in the space-time continuum under the influence of gravitational forces emitted by a perfectly spherical mass, causing long term orbital motion and equilibrium around stars and planets.

Continue reading →