What Architecture Does to Us

#290

My Dear Friend of Democracy,

I walked around the heaviest building in the world yesterday.

The palace has been ordered by Nicolae Ceaușescu (1918–1989), the horrible long-time communist ruler of Romania.

Nowadays, it is the seat of the Parliament of Romania, located in Bucharest.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk around. On one side, there is always this huge building, and on the other, a wide, multi-lane road. Walking there makes one feel small, powerless, and lost—at least, I did.

That's exactly how people should feel in a dictatorship—that individuals have no power, no value. What architecture can do to people! For better or for worse, this building makes this obvious in a negative way, perhaps like no other in the world.

✊ But the opposite is also true: Architecture can promote democracy. It can create a place where people can meet on equal terms. Where the environment creates opportunities for people to develop. Where people can lead self-determined lives. Architecture is so important. Because it is long-lasting.

See you in Democracy,

Johannes