The Architecture of the Powerful
Since the beginning of civilization, Politics and Architecture have co-existed and flourished mutually. From pyramids that guide the dead, to skyscrapers that touch the heavens, architectural structures throughout history have long been made to please both rulers and plebeians. Yet, sometimes it can also be used to fuel a person’s “hidden agendas.”
One must understand that Architecture, when used well, can be a tool to foster meaningful cultural, social, and ideological change. In the same way, it is also a tool to propagate the political views, ideologies, and myths of those in power.
Architecture, nonetheless, is a visual expression of society and subject to its political environment. The great architect, Le Corbusier, once said, “Architecture is never neutral. It is governed by the power structures of society. So the architect, whether aware or [not], intuitively perpetuate[s] some form of power relation even in a given architectural form.” In this light, it is better to see politics as an inclusive environmental factor that dictates not only society but also the architecture it creates.
Architecture too is a silent but incredibly powerful form of propaganda, and it can perpetuate chosen ideologies into society through its mere existence and usage. It is an art form that has existed and been used for hundreds of years. However, it can continue to be utilized to suit contemporary needs through changes in form or function.
Unsurprisingly, architectural buildings garner a great sentimental value from the public, even more so than art. No other visual medium can uplift, divide, and even infuriate a people better than architecture can. And it is this magnetic and fascinating nature of architecture that makes it a powerful medium.
Rulers and authoritarians have long known of the great psychological and sociological effects architecture has on people. After all, iconic architecture establishes myths with ease and affects the collective views of the public. Perhaps, that is why powerful individuals often utilize architecture for their own means.
In an interview with architecture professor, Arch. Ady Yazon, he points out multiple cases where governments and entities have used architecture to perpetuate political ideologies.
“The Spanish time had religious architecture and Hispanic military architecture. And during the American time they had institutional architecture –schools- because the Americans wanted to educate the Filipinos. “
This kind of political architecture is heavily dependent on the social hierarchies of the time. The structures of these past eras reflect the culture and preferences of the ruling class. And despite the eventual assimilation of local forms, many of these buildings are still regarded as foreign and colonial in origin and form.
Whoever holds the most power in a society will ultimately hold its architecture as well. In another interview with co-professor, Gerard Lico, he goes to say, “It’s [architecture and power] a dialogical relationship because you cannot produce architecture without money. Kasi, you need money, [and] resources to make architecture realizable. So at the same time, in planning architecture, you’re also translating the social structures of society, so it’s a dialogue between architecture and the environment.”
True enough, the most powerful individual in Philippine history has himself used architecture to further his own political agenda. The Marcos regime saw the construction of expensive and grandiose buildings that perpetuated various myths about the presidency.
“The Marcos regime” Lico added, “employed the power of architecture to perpetuate certain myths of modernity, myths of modern progress, and myths of nation. So these [their] architecture, they systematically used architecture to gain power, because through architecture they were able to legitimize their claim to power. Because architecture is power made visible.”
Today, the architecture of the Marcos regime still stand as a testimony to the unsettling effectivity of the plunderous Dictator. Even now, after thirty years, the great amount of infrastructures built during his time are still used to justify Marcos’ dictatorial rule. And despite many thousands of detractors, his commissioned works can still help propel his own son’s bid to vice-presidency and garner the blind love and dedication of millions more.
For something as beautiful and well-meaning as architecture to be used as poster-boards for rulers is unsettling - but ultimately real. We cannot deny the effects architecture has on popular thought. Even today, we still associate great buildings to the “great” men who built it.
In our current era, the politics of architecture has changed its face. As the Philippines progresses economically, business conglomerates and companies now hold vast amounts of resources and power. And alongside their race to dominate the market, they compete vertically as well, creating buildings to reach the skies. Inevitably, our cities and mindsets will change just as quickly.
As Professor Lico says, “The power [of architects] is derived from the ability to realize that there is the working of power of politics behind architecture. With the knowledge of politics, we are able not to be manipulated, but to become more critical and make buildings.”
Perhaps our job as architects is to understand how power operates through architecture, and in turn liberate not only ourselves, but the public as well. Even if some buildings are created to oppress others, we must have faith in our knowledge and understanding of architecture; so in turn, we may utilize the structures of power to create architecture that shall be for, not against, the people.
(Photo taken from Juice.ph)