The Never-ending Problem
From the get go, Giancarlo De Carlo in Architecture's Public, made me reflect on where the field of Architecture is today. In the second paragraph, Giancarlo stated that in architecture new ideas were at least 50 years old. It's crazy to think this is so since, he even stated, that as technology advances, its strong ties to architecture push the field forward, or at least one think that is so today. Then he turns around and says that the academic artistic side of architecture comes in and invalidates the changes technology would bring in.
One would think that as time goes on things would progress, but like many other things in the world, it's sad to see that even architecture also suffers and ends up failing over and over again. Later on in the readings, Giancarlo acknowledges the progress of the Modern Movement. Then he brings to light their shortcomings and how they were then caught up in their own mess. The elite of the Modern Movement took it upon themselves to take on the housing problem that were a result of the second Work War. Unfortunately, they partnered with the needs of the political power and created construction that was of the cheapest form possible. They completely forgot the needs of the occupants and put the requirements of their 'masters' first.
This happened in the first half of the 20th century, fast forward and we have Moshe Safdie. He learned from the mistakes of the early Modern Movement and found a remedy by using the technological advances of the 60's. Fast forward 30 years, and in a TED talk, he showcases how his 'democratic' approach to housing, which allows for every unit to have access to full natural lighting, unobstructed views of the sky, and their own private green spaces. Yet, all of the developments he showcases are for middle-income families, which in todays world is the shrinking socio-economic groups. To finish up his lecture, he proudly shows off his Marina Bay Sands resort where renderings show luxury storefronts and where a room starts at $377 a night, not including taxes and fees. This once progressive leader in the field of architecture has betrayed the general public in favor of those who pay his bills.
But upon further reflection, is this a reality which we all must come to terms to as we progress in our careers? Is what Giancarlo denounces with much hatred the reality which once can not do anything about? Now more than ever, as we go into the work field we are faced with debt that generations before have not witnessed and the cost of living just keeps increasing as well. I don't think the problem Giancarlo and one that I have come to agree with will ever be resolved, at least not in my lifetime.
One would think that as time goes on things would progress, but like many other things in the world, it's sad to see that even architecture also suffers and ends up failing over and over again. Later on in the readings, Giancarlo acknowledges the progress of the Modern Movement. Then he brings to light their shortcomings and how they were then caught up in their own mess. The elite of the Modern Movement took it upon themselves to take on the housing problem that were a result of the second Work War. Unfortunately, they partnered with the needs of the political power and created construction that was of the cheapest form possible. They completely forgot the needs of the occupants and put the requirements of their 'masters' first.
This happened in the first half of the 20th century, fast forward and we have Moshe Safdie. He learned from the mistakes of the early Modern Movement and found a remedy by using the technological advances of the 60's. Fast forward 30 years, and in a TED talk, he showcases how his 'democratic' approach to housing, which allows for every unit to have access to full natural lighting, unobstructed views of the sky, and their own private green spaces. Yet, all of the developments he showcases are for middle-income families, which in todays world is the shrinking socio-economic groups. To finish up his lecture, he proudly shows off his Marina Bay Sands resort where renderings show luxury storefronts and where a room starts at $377 a night, not including taxes and fees. This once progressive leader in the field of architecture has betrayed the general public in favor of those who pay his bills.
But upon further reflection, is this a reality which we all must come to terms to as we progress in our careers? Is what Giancarlo denounces with much hatred the reality which once can not do anything about? Now more than ever, as we go into the work field we are faced with debt that generations before have not witnessed and the cost of living just keeps increasing as well. I don't think the problem Giancarlo and one that I have come to agree with will ever be resolved, at least not in my lifetime.
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