Thursday, October 25, 2007

Abstract

Monument, Sustainability, and Change


Monument and memorial are built for a public purpose. They commemorate our victories, memorialize our dead, symbolize our cultural ideals and stand as testaments to a society’s success and vision. Monumental structures far outlive those who built them, and successful ones continue to tell modern society their stories. Their weight, permanence, and origin have given monument the title “the architecture of death,” a form of building that has always been outside the limits of function. The role of monument has changed in emerging cities such as Berlin, and today’s architects have shown that it is time to discuss whether the art form can address the public through function.

The form of monument has changed throughout the centuries as construction methods, architectural movements, and public concern has evolved. What was once conveyed in scale is now defined by reflection and experience. Monument(al) architecture addresses our concerns and cultural agendas, and holds power in reflecting relevancy in current cultural condition.

Sustainability is an emerging concern in America. Sustainability is a paramount concern in our industry, a concern that needs to be understood by the public. Sustainably built monument, or monumental sustainability in the proper setting will be a bold statement that can inform the public and signify a change of direction in our society. Government across the globe has shown tremendous support of alternative energy sources and sustainability, America needs to catch up. Monument has seen great success in symbolizing political agendas and national issues. Addressing the issue of sustainability in a public and permanent setting is a chance for monument to exist within the realm of function.

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