Until reading “Edifice Complex: How the Rich and Powerful Shape the World”, I did not think deeply about the connection between power and architecture. How it can be used to impress or intimidate. How it can be used to distract and overcompensate. How it can be used as a type of propaganda. Architecture can be used to manipulate and skew our view on the world, community, or government. In many ways, Architecture shapes the way we live our lives, as well as death. It doesn’t have to necessarily have to have a specific purpose, it can be used as metaphors and as a symbol.
Since reading this, I have been wondering if the meanings of these buildings can evolve. Are they stuck with the name and the politics of the government that commissioned it? Architecture is often times based on exchanging money for notoriety. I did not previously view architecture as having its own language. I have always liked to explore all sides of every decision. When I am observing buildings, I often think about why the architect, or the benefactor, choose what they did. That includes style, and material for me. When it comes to architecture, we can assume time period by observing the material and style. Deyan Sudjic in a way validates my curiosity.