Democratizing Architecture vs. Aesthetic Apartheid Architecture

Architecture has long been a profession in aesthetic apartheid. The profession’s favored aesthetic, Modernism, has relegated all other “styles” to marginalized insignificance in laud, teaching and publication. The last generation has seen those following an aesthetic deemed “traditional” create an entirely separate system of schools, awards and publication.

Democratizing Architecture vs. Aesthetic Apartheid Architecture
Niederhafen River Promenade / Zaha Hadid Architects. Image © Piet Niemann Niederhafen River Promenade / Zaha Hadid Architects. Image © Piet Niemann

Architecture has long been a profession in aesthetic apartheid. The profession’s favored aesthetic, Modernism, has relegated all other “styles” to marginalized insignificance in laud, teaching and publication. The last generation has seen those following an aesthetic deemed “traditional” create an entirely separate system of schools, awards and publication.

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