Can Architecture Be Political?

Sunday, October 8, 2023

What Is It

It’s common to judge a piece of architecture based on its functional and aesthetic values, and how the two might complement or compete with one other. It’s less common to judge architecture based on its political values. But can’t a building’s design also express a political viewpoint? Why are different styles of architecture associated with different ideologies? And can a historical edifice's social purpose change over time? Josh and Ray build a foundation with Vladimir Kulić from Iowa State University, editor of Toward a Concrete Utopia: Architecture in Yugoslavia, 1948–1980.

This episode is generously sponsored by the Stanford Global Studies program.

Transcript

Transcript

Josh Landy  
What can architecture tell us about the politics of its makers?

Ray Briggs  
Does the shape of a prison express the opinions of the state?

Josh Landy  
Can't a flying buttress just be a flying buttress?

Comments (9)


Susan_Batten's picture

Susan_Batten

Friday, December 8, 2023 -- 4:57 AM

Very educational video. I

Very educational video. I work in the design field. And I like creating collages and videos.

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Zabel's picture

Zabel

Thursday, December 5, 2024 -- 12:28 PM

This is awesome! Thank you

This is awesome! Thank you for the interesting information you posted. demolition company

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maddlace803

Monday, February 17, 2025 -- 12:42 PM

This is perfect! building and
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nowickarado73

Monday, February 17, 2025 -- 12:49 PM

Thanks for letting us know

Thanks for letting us know about this. Keep on posting.

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DimaRosins's picture

DimaRosins

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 -- 6:22 PM

And why not? Look at Donald

And why not? Look at Donald Trump. Initially, the man is a businessman, and even acted in films, but this does not prevent him from becoming the president of America. It's all about skills and your desire. In general, I believe that whether it's a president or an architect, everyone has the right to quality rest. Look here at https://woodland-direct.pissedconsumer.com/review.html chic barbecues for cooking the juiciest meat.

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raquelbritzke

Sunday, March 9, 2025 -- 1:02 PM

Architecture is deeply

Architecture is deeply intertwined with political and social ideologies, often reflecting the values and aspirations of the era in which it was built. Different architectural styles, from Brutalism to Neoclassicism, have been linked to specific political movements, serving as symbols of power, progress, or resistance. Over time, the social purpose of historical edifices can evolve, as seen in repurposed industrial buildings or former government structures that now serve as cultural hubs. This dynamic relationship between architecture and politics highlights how the built environment shapes, and is shaped by, societal narratives. kapitalanlage immobilien

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mallingerbritt's picture

mallingerbritt

Thursday, April 10, 2025 -- 9:09 PM

It's fascinating to consider

It's fascinating to consider architecture not just as a functional or aesthetic creation, but also as a political statement. Cheers from Oprit installatie Haacht

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Janwil's picture

Janwil

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 -- 1:47 PM

Interesting post! Thanks for

Interesting post! Thanks for taking the effort to share this video on this site. Roof Replacement

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Kyzer's picture

Kyzer

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 -- 11:53 AM

This is a great article.

This is a great article. Great work, indeed. dumpsters

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