How Architecture can Revive Identity, Community and Purpose | Louis Smith | TEDxBeaconStreet

As a child growing up in a declining neighborhood in Detroit, I dreamed that the burned buildings and vacant lots might be replaced with brilliant new structures that would invigorate the community. As I matured and took up architecture, I found myself in a world where faceless modernism seemed to decry the death of spirit. You could not tell what city you were in if dropped in the middle of downtown "anywhere." Most buildings had no meaning and did not feel part of any certain community. It doesn’t have to be this way. Architecture can strengthen Identity, Community and Purpose when buildings have meaning. As a child growing up in a declining neighborhood in Detroit, I dreamed that the burned buildings and vacant lots might be replaced with brilliant new structures that would invigorate the community. As I matured and took up architecture, I found myself in a world where faceless modernism seemed to decry the death of spirit. You could not tell what city you were in if dropped in the middle of downtown "anywhere." Most buildings had no meaning and did not feel part of any certain community. It doesn’t have to be this way. Architecture can strengthen Identity, Community and Purpose when buildings have meaning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@danaibrahim9550]

Actually, when you read the title of this video you might think it's simple, but when finished these 14mins I had tons of questions on my mind. Thank you for this enriching experience.

[@allensomseb6133]

It's sad that,this video has very few views. Its shows that,as Architects we have failed our community. Thanks TEDX for this,video! My Thesis is actually about Architectural Identity and how we as Architects should understand it.

[@2biaenglishmasterclass107]

I am really surprised that you are working on Architectural Identity. I am doing my Ph.D. on this matter too. Are you in research gate?

[@mugdhamishra459]

Hi I'm a 4th year b.arch student working on my research paper . Could u suggest some reference sites ??

[@allensomseb6133]

@@2biaenglishmasterclass107 Apologies bro,just seeing this now...I feel Horrible anyway...Read a book by Chris Abel "Architecture & Identity" and Michelle Apotsos "Architecture, Islam, and Identity in West Africa" it help with few things...I really Hope its useful...All the best...And No I am not on Research Gate...

[@allensomseb6133]

@@mugdhamishra459 Read a book by Chris Abel "Architecture & Identity" and Michelle Apotsos "Architecture, Islam, and Identity in West Africa" it help with few things

[@NatBustos]

Louis Smith this was like a breath of fresh air , Thank you.

[@herchitect5527]

What a way to spend 14minutes..👏👏

[@saranbhatia8809]

Meaningful!

[@geniuswriter7437]

Amazing talk

[@pedroroque8681]

Social design + placemaking is the way forward. Corporate architecture is dead.