What does Architecture Symbolise?
Architecture is a design language that expresses a region’s culture, politics, and social ideals. Any region’s architectural design is a reflection of its past and people. For example, India’s lotus temple is a fine example of architectural symbolism. It encourages inclusion in worship, reflecting the Bahai concept of unity in diversity.
Architecture serves as a symbol of identity in a variety of ways. The Hagia Sophia is a historical and cultural icon of Turkey. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a relatively contemporary, abstract icon designed by architect Frank Gehry. The Shanghai Tower of China is a technological emblem of China. There are several instances of architectural constructions that represent the region in terms of the environment, urbanisation, economy, and globalisation.
War and Architecture.
A war is a fierce conflict between groups of people, businesses, or governments. Nonetheless, does all of this represent a war? War is not just a fight. It is the destruction of innocent human lives, infrastructure, resources, cultural legacy, and architecture. Architecture is collateral damage from war. The culture of the city influences the architecture of the location. Every stone of the structure will forever carry the place’s cultural history.
War devastates buildings, bridges, highways, and other important infrastructure. Historic structures, monuments, and cultural landmarks may be damaged or destroyed, resulting in a loss of cultural identity. War can cause relocation, necessitating the provision of temporary homes and infrastructure. Occupying troops may use or demolish existing structures for military objectives. War may cause economic instability and changes in urban planning when cities are rebuilt or reconstructed for military or strategic reasons. Furthermore, conflict psychologically influences individuals and communities, altering architectural design and utility. It eliminates a region’s architectural character by destroying or replacing existing structures and styles.
Aleppo, Syria.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Syrian war caused tremendous devastation in Aleppo. Throughout history, numerous significant monuments and locations have sustained damage due to being employed militarily, acting as strongholds, or as havens for armies and militias. Notably, fortresses like Qalʿat ibn Maʿan in Palmyra, the mediaeval Crusader stronghold of Crac des Chevaliers/Qalʿat al-Ḥusn, and the citadels of Homs, Hama, and Aleppo have been affected. While some damage was accidental, such as the harm caused to the al-Waqfeya Library in Aleppo’s Great Umayyad Mosque. The temples of Bel and Baalshamin at Palmyra were among the several other buildings that were maliciously demolished.
The ancient city of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was severely damaged, including the destruction of the historic souks (markets), the ancient city walls and gates, and the loss of historic buildings and monuments. Syria‘s architectural symbol has been lost due to deterioration and ruin.
It has lost its cultural history and historical significance, as well as the relocation and erasing of communities’ cultural identities. The city’s tourism and commerce have been significantly impacted economically.
The Great Al-Omari Mosque, Gaza.
The Great Omari Mosque, the oldest building in Gaza, embodied the city’s intricate and rich history more than any other building. It was heavily damaged during the 2014 Gaza War between Israel and Hamas. The mosque was hit by Israeli airstrikes, causing extensive damage to its structure and interior. The attack occurred during the peak of the 2014 Gaza War when Israeli forces were targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure. The mosque’s roof and parts of its walls collapsed due to the airstrike. The mosque’s historic minaret was severely damaged, with significant portions crumbling.
Gaza lost a key cultural and historical symbol with the destruction of Al-Omari Mosque. The mosque served as a community hub, and its destruction affected the daily lives of residents. The loss of the mosque and surrounding infrastructure affected local businesses and the economy. Palestinians claim they have lost not only essential ties to their past, but also a place for the present, a public space for prayer and reflection, wedding announcements, and soccer tournaments.
Cultural Structures in Warsaw, Poland.
The destruction of cultural structures in Warsaw, Poland, occurred during World War II, particularly during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. The war destroyed old towns with cathedrals, castles, and halls. Historical buildings like Warsaw University, National Museum, Polish National Opera, Warsaw Philharmonic, and Warsaw Public Library were brought to ruins. Warsaw lost its churches and Synagogues, letting go of its cultural link.
The war caused the loss of cultural heritage and historical worth, as well as the deterioration of community and identity. It also had an economic impact on the city’s infrastructure and development.
Today, Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many of its cultural structures have been meticulously rebuilt and restored to their former glory.
Is the revival of lost culture feasible?
According to Lebbeus Woods, in his entry on War and Architecture, he states three principles.
First Principle: Restore what has been lost to its pre-war condition.
Second Principle: Demolish the damaged and destroyed buildings and build something entirely new.
Third Principle: The post-war city must create the new from the damaged old.
Nonetheless, restoring the architectural character of a region devastated by conflict necessitates a careful and comprehensive strategy. Post-conflict evaluations must be conducted to identify damaged or destroyed cultural heritage sites. Additionally, cooperation is required to gain funding, resources, and information from international organisations, governments, and professionals. Local communities should be involved in the reconstruction process to ensure cultural sensitivity and ownership, as well as experienced local artists and craftsmen who can recreate traditional building techniques and materials.
Digital technologies and the reconstruction of buildings utilising original materials and techniques, such as the Acropolis in Greece, enhance the structure’s authenticity. To reduce environmental impact, employ sustainable and locally sourced resources. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance and value of cultural heritage through educational and outreach activities.
Any number of elements, including power, culture, and society, can cause a conflict. People and architecture are severely affected during wars. Architecture is the manifestation of cultural values. Therefore, maintaining or rebuilding any ancient heritage is essential to any place’s development.
References:
- Volume Zero (2024). Decoding the Language of Buildings: A Journey into Architectural Symbolism [Online] Available at: https://volzero.com/news/view/decoding-the-language-of-buildings-a-journey-into-architectural-symbolism [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
- Arch2O.com (2022). Destructivism: How does War Affect Architecture? [Online] Available at: https://www.arch2o.com/destructivism-how-does-war-affect-architecture/ [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
- Cultural Heritage and Mass Atrocities (2022). The Destruction of Aleppo: The Impact of the Syrian War on a World Heritage City [Online] Available at: https://www.getty.edu/publications/cultural-heritage-mass-atrocities/part-2/10-bandarin/ [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
- The New York Times (2024). Gaza’s Historic Heart, Now in Ruins [Online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/28/arts/gaza-omari-mosque.html [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre (no date). Historic Centre of Warsaw [Online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/30/#:~:text=During%20the%20Warsaw%20Uprising%20in,%2C%20palaces%20and%20market%2Dplace. [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
- LEBBEUS WOODS (2011). WAR AND ARCHITECTURE: Three Principles [Online] Available at: https://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/war-and-architecture-three-principles/ [Accessed 20 August, 2024]
