Summary
The modern world is increasingly criticized for its architectural ugliness, a stark contrast to the beauty appreciated in historical structures. The discussion highlights how architects once prioritized aesthetics alongside functionality, creating buildings that were not only practical but also visually pleasing. However, with the rise of modernism, the emphasis shifted away from beauty, leading to a proliferation of uninspired designs that prioritize cost and efficiency over artistic value.
This shift has been exacerbated by the belief that architectural taste is entirely subjective, allowing developers to disregard aesthetic considerations without fear of criticism. The podcast argues that this perspective has contributed to the decline of urban beauty, as cities become filled with structures that lack character and connection to their surroundings. The conversation suggests that the loss of traditional architectural principles has resulted in a landscape where beauty is increasingly rare and often relegated to historical buildings.
Moreover, the episode emphasizes the importance of beauty in architecture as a fundamental human need, asserting that the failure to create aesthetically pleasing buildings has made such designs exclusive and unattainable for many. The hosts call for a renewed appreciation for beauty in architecture, urging society to recognize its significance and advocate for more thoughtful, beautiful designs in the built environment.
Show Notes
A distinguishing feature of much of the modern man-made world is that it is, first and foremost, very ugly: disappointing modern architecture abounds. We've almost ceased to notice how awful a lot of it is and forgotten how much better we can do. Here are five central reasons why so many buildings have gone wrong and an urgent blueprint for how to build the more beautiful world we deserve.Uploaded 29-07-20Enjoying our Youtube videos? Get full access to all our audio content, videos, and thousands of thought-provoking articles, conversation cards and more with The School of Life Subscription: https://t.ly/k_ZsnBe more mindful, present and inspired. Get the best of The School of Life delivered straight to your inbox: https://t.ly/kIJomFURTHER READINGYou can read more on this and other subjects here: https://bit.ly/2P42lKi“One of the great generalisations we can make about the modern world is that it is, to an extraordinary degree, an ugly world. If we were to show an ancestor from 250 years ago around our cities and suburbs, they would be amazed at our technology, impressed by our wealth, stunned by our medical advances – and shocked and disbelieving at the horrors we had managed to build. Societies that are, in most respects, hugely more advanced than those of the past have managed to construct urban environments more dispiriting, chaotic and distasteful than anything humanity has ever known…”MORE SCHOOL OF LIFEWatch more films on CAPITALISM in our playlist: http://bit.ly/TSOLcapitalismSOCIAL MEDIAFeel free to follow us at the links below:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theschooloflifelondon/ X: https://twitter.com/TheSchoolOfLife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theschooloflifelondon/ CREDITSProduced in collaboration with:Noelle Smith Designhttp://www.noellesmithdesign.com/ Title animation produced in collaboration withVale Productionshttps://www.valeproductions.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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