Downtown > Commercial Strips
Architecture has always been a reflection of cultural expression, but in modern times, it seems to have lost some of its connection to the people it serves. Many modern architects are engaged in highly sophisticated and abstract formal explorations that are often too abstracted and disconnected from the needs and desires of their communities. As a result, depth is lost in the globalization and modernization of architecture.
One of the most visible roles of architecture is to express the culture of the people who use it. Architecture should be more than just a functional container for people, but rather a statement of their identity and values. However, this role has been increasingly overlooked in favor of a more abstract and universal approach.
The loss of cultural expression is particularly evident in the decline of small-town downtowns. In the past, each downtown was unique and had its character and charm. However, as strip malls and other generic commercial developments have taken over, this uniqueness has been lost, and many towns now look the same across America.
It is important for architects to acknowledge architecture's cultural role and embrace it as an opportunity to express the identity and values of the communities they serve. By doing so, they can help to create buildings and spaces that are more meaningful and connected to the people who use them.
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI agree that downtowns used to do a better job at reflecting their town/city characteristics. I think that when the mall era and then the minimalist style era came into play, it started affecting all communities, even the small ones. I agree that designs should take their local community and context into account so that they can better serve the local people. I think it's up to us as designers to speak up for the designs that we get to help with to slowly start making a change.
Taylor, I agree that architecture should reflect the culture of the people. It should create a sense of place and identity for the community. After suburbia hit in the 1950s and people began moving further out, downtowns became a thing of the past and malls were the new fad. I love how a lot of small towns are now revamping their downtown area to bring people back together and give a sense of place back to the community.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Architecture should reflect the cultural identity and values of the community it serves. The loss of cultural expression in modern architecture is a serious issue, and architects should work to embrace this role and create meaningful spaces.
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