ARCHITECTURE: A WINDOW TO LIFE
& LEGACY
Architecture is more than an envelope of space or a shelter for
human activity and interaction. Architecture provides us a window,
visual introductions, and insights into human thought and journey
through the ages. Through architecture, which represents a festive
spectrum of our life and legacy, we witness many diverse and distinct
highlights of building adventures at defined periods in the history.
Architecture offers us physical evidence of a multi-faceted three-dimensional
tapestry of people and their cultures. It is a study of the diverse
patterns for living, worship, work and celebrations. Architecture
reveals imaginative responses and unique adaptations to provide
a safe and stimulating environment for human needs, experiences
and advancement.
There is a special spirit present in architecture. It is evident
in Nature’s grand cathedrals located in breath-taking settings
of canyons, valleys and mountain tops, in the man-made “mansions”
of ultimate grandeur and opulence, the very modest places to live,
work, worship and gather, and everything in-between. Our special
architectural heritage remains central to our community and national
image. Our spirit gravitates towards the magnificent sacred places
of worship, palatial buildings that proclaim authority, majestic
enclosures and serene gardens to imagine the lives of rich and
famous. Landscaped corridors delightfully interrupted by imposing
statues of the famous, festive fountains, and spectacular piazzas
lined with great shopping arcades and sidewalk cafés offer
us a sense of times, history, and inspirations that shaped them.
Our historic architecture, often embellished with familiar and
inspired ornamental designs and motifs, colorful decorations and
visual surprises captures our imagination and demands our special
attention. Our sacred landmarks are often treasure houses of artistic
excellence and cultural insights.
Architecture is a living “theatre.” It is a physical,
visual and spatial creation to enhance and conduct life experiences.
Architecture places wonder, inspirations and unique aesthetics
within our sight and discovery. Architecture links our spirit
to the past, anchors our thoughts to the present, and transports
our mind to the future. Architecture provides a vast encyclopedia
of creative knowledge, wisdom and culture as it relates to the
art and science of building in the history of human civilization.
Architecture has provided us formidable forts, “Great Walls”,
citadels and defenses to keep ill winds and dangers from threatening
the safety, liberty of individuals and institutions, and the sanctity
of historic treasures and heritage sites. Many architectural gems
have been lost forever to the ravages of time, agonizing neglect
and unfortunate shortsightedness. Today, the architectural mosaic
of humanity has many missing panels. Throughout history, the burning,
looting and plundering the important heritage of the vanquished
was a cruel attempt to rob people of their dignity and culture,
and demoralize the conquered people. One can witness the scars
of this calculated tyranny in all cultures and corners of the
world.
Our past can never be an excuse for future apathy in this regard.
Each of us has a special responsibility to see the survival of
precious architectural heritage as a collective trust and commitment
to future generations. It is heartening to see that the international
organizations today are engaged in saving entire cities such as
Venice and restoring designated heritage sites throughout the
world under the leadership of UNESCO. Humanity is engaged in building
friendly “bridges” that span huge physical, cultural,
and spiritual divides and paving new passageways to interconnect
our shared heritage and destiny. Nations and cities are engaged
in their own efforts to identify, save, and integrate their past
into future fabrics of communities
Today, the opportunity exists to learn new techniques, traditions,
and creative ideas from one another; build imaginative enclosure
and beautiful “canopies” for human needs and endeavors.
Thanks to science and technology, the preservation, restoration,
and rediscovering endangered architectural heritage has taken
on new urgency. Man cannot afford to lose this window to the past
unique spectrum of life and human legacy.
Kanwal Prakash Singh
August 13, 2002
