Architectural Expression Of Power And Identity †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Architectural Expression Of Power And Identity. Answer: Architectural Expression of Power and Identity in Two Case Studies The theme of architectural expression of power and identity will be compared and contrasted in two case studies Melbourne Exhibition Building Reed Barnes and Altes Museum Berlin, Fredrich Shinkel[1]. Architecture as a symbol of power Architecture can be used to meet basic desires of activities done by human beings but can also portray certain meanings which users are unable to interpret. It can therefore be used as a symbol of power when it communicates a political message. Many state leaders built monumental buildings and urban spaces that created symbols of power. Architecture cannot be separated from the effect of a current power system in a country. It has played roles in nationalism, as certain buildings become a symbol of a nation. Architectural identities separate one country from another. The Melbourne Exhibition Building was constructed by Reed and Barnes in 1880. It is divided into the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens[2]. The entire block of the building has remained intact since it was designated by the Victorian Parliament in 1878. The Carlton Gardens has been a symbol of power especially for the aborigines as the Aborigines Advancement League mainly met and gathered here. Since the 1900s to 1968, the place was an important place of gathering for Aboriginal people. Pastor Doug Nicholls has also been greatly associated with the Carlton Gardens as he used to preach there. This is also a symbol of the power that the church has as it enabled the people to maintain a spiritual life when they went to listen to the teachings and to pray. The Melbourne exhibition is also a symbol of the power of the state. The state parliament was located here between 1901 and 1927 until the provisional parliament house was opened. This was also a venue for the grand opening of the Australian Parliament. The Commonwealth of Australias first Parliament was first commissioned here[3]. In contrast, the Altes Museum in Berlin is also considered as a power symbol. The museum is highly regarded as an important place. It is referred to as a museum of architectural history. Just like the Melbourne exhibition, the Altes Museum is also considered to be a symbol of power in terms of helping people with their spirituality. This is because it is compared to pilgrimage in antiquity and is a flashback of the temples found in ancient Greece. There is also a temple for the arts, which holds sacred works and is open to the public. The Altes Museum is also a symbol of political powers. The museum gives a history of the political history of the country and stands as a symbol of different powers, which have ruled over the years. It is a pillar of the nation and a symbol of national power[4]. Architecture as a symbol of Identity The main role of culture is to give a picture of a peoples mental ideas by introducing the concrete forms and symbolizing the identity of a nation. Architecture plays an important role in this process, as it is the true measure of a peoples culture. Buildings in any nation are a symbol of architectural culture. Culture influences formation of an architectural space by creating laws that lead to functional organization and spatial hierarchy[5]. They also create different memories and beliefs in form of symbols and different objects that are used to create the architectural space. The Melbourne exhibition building symbolizes the identity of the Australian people. This is due to the style used and different aspects of the building, which the Australians can relate with. The Melbourne exhibition has led to building of community life, shaping the cultural life and creating popular culture among Australians[6]. The Altes Museum in Berlin is also a symbol of identity. The museum has different artifacts, which are displayed, dating back to pre-historic times[7]. The people identify with the museum, as they are able to know a history of their towns and how their ancestors used to live. This enables them to understand where they have come from and why they may portray certain behaviors. It is therefore an important symbol of identity as the people are able to discover their heritage once they visit the museum[8]. As seen in the two case studies, architecture is a symbol of power and identity in different places around the world. Certain types of architecture are associated with certain cultures or countries. There should therefore be keenness as the type of architecture portrays the nation and their culture. Bibliography Donovan, Elizabeth. "The role of culture in contemporary theories of sustainable architecture." (2015). Holt, Jared A. "Social and cultural identity in and through architecture." PhD diss., 2014. Investigations of the Royal Exhibition Buildings Western Forecourt, Melbourne."International Journal of Historical Archaeology(2017): 1-24. Lawrence, Susan, and Peter Davies. "Melbourne: The Archaeology of a World City."International Journal of Historical Archaeology(2017): 1-14. Mackowsky, Hans.Karl Friedrich Schinkel: Letters, diaries, thoughts.BoD-Books on Demand, 2015. Major, Janine, Charlotte Smith, and Richard Mackay. "Reconstructing Landscape: Archaeological Paul, Carole. "Authenticity on Display."Journal of Art Historiography11 (2014): 1. Vale, Lawrence.Architecture, power and national identity. Routledge, 2014. Whelan, Yvonne.Heritage, memory and the politics of identity: New perspectives on the cultural landscape. Routledge, 2016.