Architecture is so much more than just construction and big concrete blocks. It affects people, places, plants, and animals from a micro to a macroscopic scale. It intends to solidify and justify the space we are inhabiting.
Politics on the other hand seems to be a very social construct of our society. It is a system that is built in for society to function in a certain manner which benefits each one of us. From the way of everyday life to making small choices in the society we live in, it is safe to say that politics is something which is extremely deep rooted and a fundamental growing aspect of our surroundings.
Now, some might argue how politics affects architecture and vice versa since both are completely different fields of play, however, their end goal is just the same. Betterment of society, lives, and people.
The symbiotic relationship
Architecture is closely intertwined with politics, power, authority, and democracy. As a result, architecture can either support or contradict current systems, serve as a vehicle for the advancement of new values, or maintain the status quo. It can be applied to accomplish political and social goals. Buildings are not innocent in any case. They have a greater influence on society than we can fathom.
Architecture has the power to affect our feelings, moods, and occasionally even our actions. A well-designed public area, for example, can encourage chances for social and communal interactions, whereas a badly designed building can make its occupants feel uncomfortable.
In the past, spatial planning was employed as a tool to impose hierarchical systems by erecting obstacles between various socioeconomic groups. Design has been used as a tool for power exercise, control, and mass influence throughout history. Buildings are the foundation of everything from the Parthenon to the Pyramids, places to tall skylines, buildings are an outcome of what they represent and how they make the users feel in that very space.
Into the past
Ancient Egyptian architecture and its political system back in the day were closely interlinked. For example, the political structure of ancient Egypt was hierarchical with the pharaoh at the top ruling the entire city-state, followed by several officials, nobles, and administrators respectively. This structure not only helped the state to maintain control over its people but also helped dominate their rule through agriculture, trade, and construction.
During their rule, the pharaohs were highly guided by their religious beliefs which led them to build a lot of temples and religious structures in the state. The construction of these structures was a way to guide the general public to believe in the spiritual, social, and economic beliefs of the pharaohs.
Therefore, Egypt’s political structure resembles a pyramid; we witness innumerable pyramids and temple-like structures in present-day Egypt.
The political climate of the Roman Empire influenced art and architecture in many ways.
Roman art served as a powerful tool for imperial propaganda and public display. Monumental structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon displayed Rome’s architectural prowess.
The public spaces like the Forum and the amphitheater were extraordinary community and public spaces that became crucial spaces for people to meet, greet, communicate, and celebrate together. It brought about a sense of unity and brotherhood for its people.
Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architecture are different from each other in their construction, technique, and design yet have one thing in common. All the art and architecture in these three distinct periods were heavily guided and influenced by their respective governments and higher political authorities of their respective eras. Their respective governments or aristocracies of different times influenced the types of buildings, public spaces, gatherings, and everything in between.
Through the different types of construction, it also guided its people to follow certain religions, and practices that they believed in. This is how they garnered control over their territory, land, and people, making them rulers kings, or pharaohs of their times.
In the present
Today, we live in times of democracy which is described simply as ‘ by the people, for the people, and of the people’. It gives the people of a certain place to decide for themselves what they would like to envision for their futures. This also describes the kind of innovation, technology, and construction that a certain individual has in the back of their mind for their respective government to overlook and initiate. Architecture is one key element as an aspect of that broad chain.
In comparison to aristocracy or monarchy, it is observed that governments indulge in opulent and luxurious styles of architecture and infrastructure as compared to a democracy-led government. For example, if one might visit the United Arab Emirates, one would find themselves surrounded by unique, extravagant, and luxurious styles of art and architecture all around the country. However, a democracy like India is more subtle, traditional, and still up and coming with its development and infrastructure. This drives a question that one needs to maybe address or ponder upon – Does democracy not have the capability for opulent structures? Why do monarchs indulge in extraordinary infrastructure for their people?
Architecture and politics belong together. Politics has the task of developing and improving the society we live in. Architecture makes an important contribution to that kind of social construction. And so a policy is needed for architecture, an architectural policy.
The need for architectural policy to have room and significance is extremely vital for the future and development of tomorrow.
