Uniformity by Politics
I don't have sufficient experience and knowledge to talk about the urban design and politics of the US or modern European countries. But from where I grow up and where I get my B.Arch degree. I prefer to talk about the politics influence from the Soviet Union to China and also what we know about North Korea.
When the People's Republic of China founded, the government started to demolish ancient buildings and city walls which have a lot of historical value. This demolishment conducted propaganda as a demolishment of out-of-date feudalistic ideas and welcome to the great socialism and communism ideas. The ancient Beijing city and other historical cities lost a lot of ancient temples, palaces and as well city contexts. Fortunately, this crazy event was finally stopped by few clear-headed leaders and architects, and we still can visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City today.
Meanwhile, the government needs some new buildings for their new country. Influenced by the Soviet Union, new buildings are all in their style, like conference halls, museums, auditoriums, etc. During the first three decades, most monumental buildings have the same facade, same plan organization, and decoration. Nowadays, when we see North Korea on TV, it is a clone of the 50's,60's,70's China.
At present, if we go to visit some European countries, we may be conquered by the fabulous Roman buildings. Thousand years ago, when Roman troop captured a city, they will build a Roman city on the ruins. This culture invasion with sacrifices of life and culture becomes admirable by the time flowing.
Architecture is such a big deal to humans. To build one, you need to collect all kinds resources from the whole society, materials, techniques, labors and money. I think that's why architecture is easier than other things to be a propaganda tool of the controllers of the country. Therefore, architectures can always represent its era. Maybe politics make architecture boring and pale in different times, but they will finally be part of our colorful history.
When the People's Republic of China founded, the government started to demolish ancient buildings and city walls which have a lot of historical value. This demolishment conducted propaganda as a demolishment of out-of-date feudalistic ideas and welcome to the great socialism and communism ideas. The ancient Beijing city and other historical cities lost a lot of ancient temples, palaces and as well city contexts. Fortunately, this crazy event was finally stopped by few clear-headed leaders and architects, and we still can visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City today.
Meanwhile, the government needs some new buildings for their new country. Influenced by the Soviet Union, new buildings are all in their style, like conference halls, museums, auditoriums, etc. During the first three decades, most monumental buildings have the same facade, same plan organization, and decoration. Nowadays, when we see North Korea on TV, it is a clone of the 50's,60's,70's China.
At present, if we go to visit some European countries, we may be conquered by the fabulous Roman buildings. Thousand years ago, when Roman troop captured a city, they will build a Roman city on the ruins. This culture invasion with sacrifices of life and culture becomes admirable by the time flowing.
Architecture is such a big deal to humans. To build one, you need to collect all kinds resources from the whole society, materials, techniques, labors and money. I think that's why architecture is easier than other things to be a propaganda tool of the controllers of the country. Therefore, architectures can always represent its era. Maybe politics make architecture boring and pale in different times, but they will finally be part of our colorful history.
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