In the book Power and Architecture, Dier Sadic, an architectural design critic and curator of the London Design Museum, shows the hidden meaning behind architecture besides practicality and artistry.
Although for those in power, architecture is only a means to an end, for dictator Hitler, his pursuit seems to come more from architecture itself. When he visited the Paris Opera House, he knew all the design details. Hitler was always passionate about architecture. If he didn't become a politician, maybe he would choose to become an artist.
In a photo 1940 taken in Paris, Hitler's ambition is obvious: the great architect Hitler is going to redesign the world.
Such a person who has a high pursuit of architecture certainly needs an architect who meets his own requirements in all aspects to build his own mansion.
Speer, an architect, is such an architect who knows how to cater to the perfect idea of those in power. Every stone made by speer, every detail in the room, and every turning point in the design reinforce a detail: Germans are naturally superior.
Hitler disliked exposed steel structures, flat roofs and casement windows. This is not only a personal preference, but also contains Hitler's political inclination.
Whether it is a means or an end, the existence of architecture itself has become a metaphor of power.
As one of the elements to create a country, architecture is actually used to convey specific emotional information. When we came to this city that once had a British concession, the unique architectural design and striking red cast iron mailbox were clearly visible. When they became a part of the city and witnesses of history, they undoubtedly announced to the world that its texture came from the core area.
In an ordinary apartment in Downing Street, England, successive prime ministers strategize here and manage a world empire.
If the national structure can quickly become an essential building, it is a successful building.
A building can become a symbol of a country, which is the original intention of people to build them. 1941one morning in may, Churchill trudged on the gravel road after the air raid and took a photo.
Churchill also personally designed the reconstruction of the House of Commons. He knows the importance of architectural structure to the country and how to shape the image of a country. For the needs of the British parliament, the most important thing is not the function and aesthetics, but the way of governing the country, although this is completely different from the pursuit of many architects.
Churchill, like an outstanding broker, knew what the government needed to support it.
Architecture has been given more meaning, more like a symbol of status and spirit.
Also worth mentioning in this book is the Presidential Library. The Presidential Library originated in franklin roosevelt. Although his library is not grand, it reflects the extraordinary life of the president. After that, every outgoing American president will build a library for himself.
Jefferson was not only a talented architect, but also a critic with elegant taste. His library is beyond the reach of other American presidents.
The presidential seal in Johnson Presidential Library shines brightly, and the position of this building is self-evident, although the architectural style he pursues often conflicts with the ideal design of architects.
Bush's original intention of building a library is to put himself in the heroic tradition, and the architectural style of his library is highly consistent with his acting style.
The presidential library after Roosevelt followed the classical style until the Kennedy Library was built. Kennedy Library is the only presidential library that boldly rejects the classical style.
Jacqueline Kennedy decided to choose I.M. Pei, who is not yet 50 years old.
The library changed its address twice, revised its design plan three times and postponed its opening date countless times. 15 years before opening to the outside world.
The completion of the library also inspired I.M. Pei's application of pyramid structure, and continued this style in future designs.
The application of triangular structure in architecture not only embodies the stability of architectural structure, but also symbolizes the stability of power and status.
Kennedy once quoted Pericles, an ancient Greek politician, in his notes: "We should not imitate others, but inspire them."
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There is a world about architecture in this book. Through this world of architecture, we will see the world behind architecture. Under the thick brick wall is a thick history and a symbol of power. Every detail of the building bears witness to the changes of the times and the ideals and ambitions of those in power.
When we re-examine a building from a perspective other than art, we will find the true meaning of its existence. They stood in time, silent all the time, but telling everything and witnessing all the changes. They are the supreme power itself.