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 (66)


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's picture

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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raquelbritzke's picture

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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pearl.jimenez's picture

pearl.jimenez

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 -- 5:23 AM

Appreciate the conversation

Appreciate the conversation around how buildings reflect shifting political and social values. The idea that a structure’s meaning evolves over time is really powerful. Roofing Stamford Bridge

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pearl.jimenez's picture

pearl.jimenez

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 -- 5:25 AM

Fascinating questions raised

Fascinating questions raised here! Architecture really does carry ideological weight, and it’s great to see that explored with historical context. Flat Roofing Sutton-on-Hull

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Abby's picture

Abby

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -- 7:53 AM

RUG CLEANING SERVICES IN

RUG CLEANING SERVICES IN Hawkinge Thank you for this fascinating perspective on architecture and politics! If you happen to need carpet services, feel free to visit our site.

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Abby's picture

Abby

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -- 7:56 AM

BEST CARPET CLEANER Herne Bay

BEST CARPET CLEANER Herne Bay Really thought-provoking discussion about architecture’s deeper meanings—thanks for sharing! For any carpet services, don’t hesitate to check out our website.

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pearl.jimenez's picture

pearl.jimenez

Saturday, April 26, 2025 -- 6:16 AM

Really interesting topic! I

Really interesting topic! I hadn’t considered how deeply tied architecture can be to ideology and historical change. Roofing Willerby

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pearl.jimenez's picture

pearl.jimenez

Monday, April 28, 2025 -- 5:43 AM

Great topic, thanks for

Great topic, thanks for sharing! It’s important to consider how space and structure impact society beyond the surface. Roofers Near me

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Olive's picture

Olive

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -- 5:21 AM

Thank you for the informative

Thank you for the informative article you shared. fence installation

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Shawn24's picture

Shawn24

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -- 10:26 AM

Great article! Really helped

Great article! Really helped me understand the topic better. tuckpointing

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Abby's picture

Abby

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- 1:26 AM

Thank you for sharing this

Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective on architecture and politics! If you happen to need roofing services, feel free to visit our site. Slate Roof

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Abby's picture

Abby

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- 1:40 AM

I appreciate the thought

I appreciate the thought-provoking discussion on architecture's deeper meanings! For reliable roofing services, don’t hesitate to check out our website. Pitched | Gable Roofs Countesthorpe

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- 2:16 AM

Tree Surgeon Tewkesbury

Tree Surgeon Tewkesbury
Thank you for this thought-provoking discussion! It's fascinating to consider how architecture not only serves a functional purpose but can also express political ideologies, sometimes in ways we may not immediately recognize. The idea of buildings evolving in social purpose over time is particularly interesting, as it highlights the shifting values and cultural contexts we experience. This brings a whole new layer to how we view both historical and modern structures.

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- 4:27 AM

Flat Roofing Arundel

Flat Roofing Arundel
Thank you for sharing this—what a fascinating discussion! Architecture absolutely carries political weight, whether through imposing forms, communal spaces, or the ideologies behind their construction. I’m intrigued by how a building’s meaning can evolve with time and context. If you ever find yourself reflecting on your own home's structure and notice it needs a roof repair, feel free to visit our site!

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vanhoofalexis's picture

vanhoofalexis

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- 8:07 PM

It’s refreshing to see

It’s refreshing to see architecture discussed through a political and historical lens. A building is never just a building, is it? And got a leaky or damaged roof? You can visit our Roof Repair Freshbrook site if you ever need it sorted.

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Sunday, May 4, 2025 -- 2:01 AM

Tree Surgery Petersfield

Tree Surgery Petersfield
Really thought-provoking take on how buildings can reflect political ideas as much as aesthetics or function. If you happen to need a tree surgeon, feel free to visit our site!

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Sunday, May 4, 2025 -- 7:44 AM

Roof Repair Ollerton

Roof Repair Ollerton
Thank you for this thought-provoking discussion. It's so true that architecture often gets assessed for beauty and function, while its political implications are overlooked. Buildings can absolutely reflect ideologies—through scale, materials, and who they're built for. It's fascinating to consider how styles like brutalism or neoclassicism carry different social and political connotations, and how time can shift a structure’s meaning or use entirely. If you ever find yourself needing a roof repair, feel free to visit our site—we're always here to help preserve the integrity of your own built environment.

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Sunday, May 4, 2025 -- 9:04 AM

Carpet Cleaning Broadstairs

Carpet Cleaning Broadstairs
Thank you for raising such thought-provoking questions—this is a fascinating perspective on architecture! It's so true that buildings aren't just structures; they can also carry deep political and ideological significance, whether through grandiosity, minimalism, or repurposing over time. I’m intrigued by the idea of how the social meaning of a building can shift as societies evolve. If you're ever refreshing your space and need a carpet cleaning to match your environment's vibe, feel free to visit our site!

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Sunday, May 4, 2025 -- 11:43 AM

Roofer Sturminster Newton

Roofer Sturminster Newton
Thank you for this thought-provoking discussion. I’ve always appreciated architecture for its form and function, but this really opens up a new lens—thinking about buildings as expressions of political ideology. It's fascinating how design choices can reflect power structures, values, or even resistance. And the idea that a building’s social meaning can shift over time adds such depth to how we interpret our built environment.

If you happen to need a roof repair—whether it’s for a modernist structure or a historic home—feel free to visit our site!

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mallingerbritt's picture

mallingerbritt

Sunday, May 4, 2025 -- 11:41 PM

Thought-provoking episode –

Thought-provoking episode – buildings can certainly tell stories beyond form and function.
And if your own home has a story of a leaky roof, we’re happy to help – check out our Roofing Goole site if you need us.

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pearl.jimenez's picture

pearl.jimenez

Monday, May 5, 2025 -- 3:37 AM

Thanks for this thought

Thanks for this thought-provoking discussion—architecture as political expression is a powerful concept! Asphalt & Bitumen Surfacing In Lowood

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Abby's picture

Abby

Monday, May 5, 2025 -- 6:31 AM

Thanks for this thought

Thanks for this thought-provoking perspective on architecture and politics! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site. Driveways and surfacing Geelong

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Abby's picture

Abby

Monday, May 5, 2025 -- 6:37 AM

Really interesting take on

Really interesting take on how architecture can reflect ideology. For any driveway needs, don’t hesitate to check out our website! Road Construction Heatherton

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Abby's picture

Abby

Monday, May 5, 2025 -- 7:37 AM

Thank you for this thought

Thank you for this thought-provoking take on architecture and its deeper meanings! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site. Driveway Contractor Near Me

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Janwil's picture

Janwil

Monday, May 5, 2025 -- 11:28 AM

Great post! I'd love to see

Great post! I'd love to see more posts from this site. Towing New Orleans

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miles's picture

miles

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 -- 7:08 AM

Thank you for sharing this

Thank you for sharing this perspective—it's fascinating to consider how design can reflect political values too. If you happen to need tree services, feel free to visit our site. Professional Tree Surgeons In Winchester, Hampshire

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miles's picture

miles

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 -- 7:09 AM

This really made me think

This really made me think differently about architecture and its deeper meanings. If you ever need help with tree services, don't hesitate to check out our site! Tree Surgeon Near Me

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Zabel's picture

Zabel

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 -- 12:52 PM

Appreciate the effort you put

Appreciate the effort you put into this. Well-written and informative.
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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 -- 8:59 PM

Crown Reduction Wymondham

Crown Reduction Wymondham
Thank you for this fascinating discussion—it's refreshing to see architecture explored beyond just form and function, recognizing it as a medium that can reflect and even shape political ideologies. The idea that buildings can evolve in meaning and purpose over time really speaks to how dynamic our relationship with the built environment is. And if you ever need a tree surgeon to help care for the landscape around your own architectural space, feel free to visit our website—we’d be glad to help!

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 -- 10:59 PM

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Tarmac | Tar & Chip | Resin | Block Paving Driveways & Surfacing Eye
Thank you for this thought-provoking episode. It's fascinating to consider how architecture doesn't just reflect utility or beauty, but also embeds and communicates political ideologies. Buildings can absolutely act as symbols of power, resistance, or collective identity, and their meaning can shift dramatically over time. If you’re ever working on a project that extends beyond ideas to the built environment—like improving your own property—feel free to visit our site for quality driveway solutions.

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Abby's picture

Abby

Thursday, May 8, 2025 -- 7:18 AM

Thank you for this thought

Thank you for this thought-provoking perspective on architecture and politics! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site. Tar & Chip Surfacing Thrapston

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Abby's picture

Abby

Thursday, May 8, 2025 -- 7:19 AM

Really interesting to

Really interesting to consider how architecture can reflect ideology—thanks for sharing! For any driveway needs, don't hesitate to check out our website. New Driveway Rothwell

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SNB's picture

SNB

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 5:56 AM

Tree Surgeon Near Me

Tree Surgeon Near Me
Interesting read—it's eye-opening how architecture can reflect power, values, and social change. If you happen to need a tree surgeon, feel free to visit our site!

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Angeliqueeee3's picture

Angeliqueeee3

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 8:27 AM

Thank you for this thought

Thank you for this thought-provoking take—architecture really does carry more meaning than we often realize. If you ever need tree services, feel free to visit our site. Stump Grinding Swanmore

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Angeliqueeee3's picture

Angeliqueeee3

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 8:29 AM

I appreciate this perspective

I appreciate this perspective on the political side of architecture—definitely gives me something to think about. And if your outdoor space needs expert tree care, we’re just a click away! Hedge Cutting Midhurst

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Angeliqueeee3's picture

Angeliqueeee3

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 8:31 AM

Thanks for sharing this—it's

Thanks for sharing this—it's fascinating how architecture can reflect deeper values beyond just form and function. And if you happen to need tree services, feel free to check out our website! Domestic & Commercial Tree Care

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SNB's picture

SNB

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 9:06 AM

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Commercial Carpet Cleaning Rainham
Absolutely—architecture can reflect power, values, and social priorities in every design choice. If you happen to need carpet cleaning services, feel free to visit our site!

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mhieyo's picture

mhieyo

Friday, May 9, 2025 -- 8:47 PM

Pitched | Gable Roofs Heanor

Pitched | Gable Roofs Heanor
Thank you for this fascinating and thought-provoking episode. It's so important to explore architecture not just as a functional or artistic endeavor, but also as a political and cultural statement. Buildings can indeed reflect ideologies, shift in purpose, and evolve with the societies around them. If you ever need a roof repair for a structure that’s part of your own living history, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help preserve what matters most.

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Abby's picture

Abby

Saturday, May 10, 2025 -- 2:43 AM

Thank you for this

Thank you for this interesting perspective on architecture and politics! If you happen to need tree services, feel free to visit our site. Hedge Cutting Yate

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matet's picture

matet

Sunday, May 11, 2025 -- 6:12 AM

Thank you for sharing this

Thank you for sharing this insight! I’ve always appreciated the balance between function and design in buildings. If you happen to need any roofing services, feel free to visit our site. Roof Repair Smethwick

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matet's picture

matet

Sunday, May 11, 2025 -- 6:15 AM

I enjoyed this perspective

I enjoyed this perspective—function and beauty really do go hand in hand. If you're ever in need of roof work, don’t hesitate to check out our website. Flat Roof Repairs

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Abby's picture

Abby

Sunday, May 11, 2025 -- 6:35 AM

Thank you for this thought

Thank you for this thought-provoking take on architecture and politics! If you happen to need roofing services, feel free to visit our site. Roofer Oadby

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Abby's picture

Abby

Sunday, May 11, 2025 -- 6:39 AM

Really interesting

Really interesting perspective on the deeper meanings behind architecture—appreciate you sharing! For any roofing needs, don't hesitate to check out our website. Pitched Roof

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Angeliqueeee3's picture

Angeliqueeee3

Sunday, May 11, 2025 -- 7:10 AM

Thank you for sharing these

Thank you for sharing these thought-provoking insights on architecture and politics! If you happen to need tree services, feel free to visit our site. Tree Surgery Weybridge

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