Culturalism

21-11-2010, 22:20

 One of the most powerful desires in the modern world is the desire for progress. So strong is this desire in fact, that it is almost assumed that every new undertaking of mankind is done in the name of progress.

But what even is progress? In society, “progress” often boils down to a relentless march of capitalism; the accumulation of wealth above all other concerns. Architecture and Urban Design, as a reflection of society, has also naturally followed this trend.

Capitalism affects the way buildings are funded; clients want to find the most economical solution, and it is often the most poetic aspects of the design which are eliminated. It changes the function of buildings; cafes & gift shops are now a part of almost all leisure buildings, and some major buildings are created solely as money generators (eg. viewing towers). No place is sacred, everywhere is an enterprise opportunity. Finally, capitalism changes the design of buildings; companies use buildings as a branding exercise, and architects design buildings which will attract attention in order to secure future contracts.

However, this pattern is by definition a product of western society, as it has historically been the west which has progressed at the greatest rate. Unfortunately, in a globalised world, other cultures which have aimed at progress have aped the western method in order to be taken seriously – often completely denying their culture in the process.

To take an obvious example, China is a communist country whose recent architecture seems to glorify this capitalist western version of progress greatly. In addition, it is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Ironically, it is a heritage which is highly admired by western people: Utzon was inspired by the pagoda in designing Sydney Opera House; the more general heritage of the orient was a key influence for Frank Lloyd Wright; and oriental customs like Buddhism, Taoism and Feng Shui continually gain popularity.

Clearly, Chinese heritage has a great deal of cultural value in China and the wider world, and yet it is being smothered by so called ‘progress’.

This is a plea to all non-developed countries to find an alternative progress. It may be too late for China, but other Far Eastern countries, the Middle East, Africa and parts of South America can still save themselves, and keep this planet varied and interesting.