The Politics of Architecture: The Subtle Message of Buildings
Architecture goes beyond construction and serves as a powerful political medium. It tells the story of our past, reflects our present, and expresses our aspirations.
Central Vista Project in India. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for India’s new parliament building in December 2020. The project has a political goal of dismantling the “colonial mindset.” Photo via centralvista.gov.in
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hen we think of iconic cities like Paris, the Eiffel Tower often comes to mind. This towering masterpiece serves as an enduring symbol of the Western civilization and a testament to power.
The relationship between architecture and politics runs deep. Buildings are more than just structures; they are powerful statements that shape social fabric and reflect collective values and power dynamics. They create a narrative that reflects and shapes how we live our lives and interact with each other.
International airports are a prime example of how architecture shapes us more than we realize. Architects carefully design these buildings to guide and regulate the flow of passengers while providing a sense of security and reassurance. The layout and design of airport terminals are not only functional, but also carry political implications, skillfully influencing traveler behavior.
Elevators, often overlooked in our built environment, also play a role in the complex political dynamics. Before the invention of elevators, people placed the most prestigious areas of buildings on the lower floors, reserving the upper floors for production and lower status areas. The introduction of elevators revolutionized the concept of power, allowing the rise of skyscrapers and redefining urban hierarchy.
An alternative perspective on doorways
The size and design of doorways in Italian architecture are significant political symbols that reflect the historical, cultural, and economic context of their regions. More than just entrances, they are political expressions that reflect the identities of the north and south and shape the way people live and interact with their surroundings.
In the wealthy cities of northern Italy, such as Venice, Milan, and Florence, grand and luxurious doorways serve as historic symbols of wealth, power, and high social status. Influenced by the Renaissance and Neoclassical styles, these architectural choices emphasize visual grandeur and aesthetic appeal. These cities boast grand residences, aristocratic residences, and luxurious buildings owned by the wealthy elite that feature large and elaborate entrances. These large doorways symbolize prestige and wealth, and their elegant designs, luxurious materials, and impressive size emphasize a sense of power and wealth.
In contrast, in the southern regions, including Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia, where a history of economic inequality and foreign domination has left its mark, we see a more pragmatic way of life. Doors in this region are smaller and less extravagant, emphasizing functionality over ostentation. They focus on meeting the practical needs of daily life and providing protection from the Mediterranean climate, rather than trying to show off wealth. Simplicity and practicality are prioritized, reflecting a unique set of values.
The larger doors in the north create a formal and public atmosphere. The meticulously designed entrances to the building serve as a warm welcome to guests, a venue for public events, and a way to showcase the grandeur of the building. They also encourage social gatherings and the conspicuous display of wealth and social status. In the northern region, these public spaces are designed for display, emphasizing the importance of external recognition and validation.
On the other hand, the southern region prefers smaller entrances, especially those leading to courtyards or gardens, emphasizing privacy and intimacy. These architectural features connect indoor living spaces with outdoor spaces such as courtyards, gardens, and terraces, promoting a more private and family-oriented lifestyle. The privacy and tranquility of these areas are often shielded from public view, promoting family gatherings, relaxation, and a serene ambiance that is in keeping with the Mediterranean way of life, which emphasizes outdoor living, fresh air, and family-oriented activities.
Hitler’s Prora
In 1938, Adolf Hitler initiated the construction of what would become the world’s largest seaside resort under the “Strength Through Joy” program. “Strength Through Joy” was designed to organize the leisure time of Germans, a central part of the Nazi Party’s vision of a state that would oversee all aspects of citizens’ lives. The ambitious project found its home along the Baltic Sea coast on the island of Rügen, stretching an impressive 3 kilometers, and was dubbed “Prora” by the Nazis. The plan for Prora was ambitious: it was to house 20,000 residents and become the largest vacation resort of the Third Reich.
Prora was not just a vacation destination; it was a propaganda tool designed to rally the German people to Hitler’s side. The monumental complex, originally spanning 4.5 kilometers, consisted of eight separate blocks, each 500 meters long and 6 stories high, connected by covered walkways. Constructed of reinforced concrete and steel, these buildings housed a total of 10,000 rooms, each identical in size and furnishings, and all overlooking the sea.
The resort boasted numerous amenities, including two huge swimming pools with wave machines, two large theaters, and a massive central hall that could accommodate large gatherings. Each block had a restaurant capable of serving 2,500 people at a time, all included in the price. The price was only a quarter of the average wage. More than just a vacation spot, Prora was strategically designed as a mechanism of social engineering to garner public support for Hitler’s regime.
The Nazi regime planned community games, parades, and daily activities focused on fitness, discipline, and the promotion of patriotism, all part of the Nazi plan to mold ideal citizens. Families were encouraged to visit, and the original plan was to build five of these colossal structures. However, this vision was never fully realized.
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 brought construction of Prora to an abrupt halt. The resources and manpower that had been dedicated to this grandiose project were urgently needed for the war effort, leading to its abandonment. Prora never saw a single vacationer pass through its doors. Its association with Nazi propaganda and the oppressive past made its completion politically untenable. The division of Germany further complicated its fate, and it largely fell into disrepair. While some sections have been repurposed in recent years, Prora remains a powerful symbol of the political underpinnings that can shape and ultimately frustrate architectural ambitions.
Redefining the Heart of India’s Capital
In the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, a major redevelopment initiative known as the Central Vista Redevelopment Project is transforming the city’s government district. This ambitious undertaking goes beyond the construction of government buildings; it represents a significant process of renewal that has been underway for a long time.
In December 1911, King George V announced the relocation of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi during the Delhi Durbar, a grand assembly. Renowned architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker originally designed the Central Vista during British colonial rule. The architects were inspired by iconic landmarks such as the Champs-Elysées in Paris and the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Today, New Delhi’s Central Vista is home to important government buildings such as the Indian Parliament and the official residence of the President of India. They have repurposed many buildings from their original purpose, and the administrative district now houses only a portion of the government offices. They have relocated many ministries elsewhere.
There are several reasons for the redevelopment of Central Vista. The growth of India’s population from 376 million in the 1950s to 1.393 billion in 2021, an increase of 270%, has led to an increase in the number of Indian states and elected representatives. However, the number of elected representatives in the Lok Sabha has increased by only 11%. The demographic challenge calls for improving office infrastructure to increase administrative efficiency.
The project also aims to improve public spaces and make them more accessible to the public. Emphasis on environmental sustainability is another key theme, with a commitment to preserving and expanding green spaces and transplanting trees rather than cutting them down. This project demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to transforming Central Vista into a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the shortcomings of the current Parliament House, including outdated communications infrastructure, poor acoustics, and limited workspace, which do not meet the needs of a fully functioning democracy.
The project has a political goal of dismantling the “colonial mindset.” This project symbolizes India’s effort to reclaim its pride by redefining the center of its capital with a structure designed and built by its own people.
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for India’s new parliament building in December 2020, marking a significant moment in the country’s history. He emphasized the importance of coming together in a building that represents India’s identity and aspirations. It is a declaration of India’s emergence as a vibrant and self-reliant nation, moving away from the legacy of colonial rule.
Architecture can both shape and be shaped by politics and society. Architecture serves as a powerful political medium, reflecting our social values, power dynamics, and cultural identities. It goes beyond construction; it tells the story of our past, reflects our present, and expresses our aspirations.
