Why We Should Revive Traditional Architecture & Urbanism

[@JohnFromAccounting]

The separation of functions has been the single worst idea in civil planning history. It perpetuates poverty, long commutes, environmentally dangerous projects, urban sprawl, financial exploitation and cheaply built structures.

[@jankom.7783]

It was a good idea when it started. It was about keeping living places from factories that kept dumping their waste into surrounding area. But it became problem when the same solution was applied to everything. Including office buildings and shops. The problem is usually a momentum and a scale that ideas have, not the ideas themselves

[@theodoro5555]

I agree. Though I have to say it has some merit in the specific circumstances where industry is too close to living spaces. I think the original idea was to separate industry from the city center, which then got extrapolated into separating all functions. I'm all for mixed-use, with the only exception being factories should be mostly outside of the city. Many of the early modernists who envisioned the separation of functions were Europeans from the early 20th century. Back then, London and Paris were remarkably polluted, and I can see how someone from that context would envision the separation of functions to be a good thing. But overall the separation of functions has been a net loss for all of us.

[@Db--jt7bt]

And it goes full circle because in the few mixed use areas left get flooded with high income residents and subsequent gentrification.

[@OBSMProductions]

​@@Db--jt7bt and any new developments like it people get priced out, maybe we should be deciding housing based on whatever is highest demand rather than preconceived notations by developers or even zoning restricting housing types (we should have more form based zoning)

[@DanielJoyce]

Except for heavy industry there should be little to no separation.

[@nichobee]

I honestly think that beautiful architecture is great for your mental health. If you can experience depression because of the gloom of winter, then it's not inconceivable that living amongst ugly buildings influences your mood

[@yuzan3607]

Exactly!!!! I don't think anyone can deny that a hike in nature or sitting with a nice view instantly boosts your mood. I don't think that beautiful architecture developed just as a luxury but it's a natural human need.

[@comradecam9530]

For sure. Your environment has a significant impact on one's wellbeing. Our surroundings and how they look all contribute to an atmosphere that affects us psychologically and physiologically.

[@pdcichosz]

If you think you're depressed 'cause it's gloomy outside then you're definitely not depressed ;)

[@baronvonjo1929]

​@@pdcichosz OH I beg to differ. Spring as arrived and I feel my mood change immediately. Don't tell us how we feel.

[@freewilly1193]

​@@pdcichosz look up Seasonal Affective Disorder. People get sadder and generally more aggravated due to decreased vitamin d intake. Vitamin d is only made in the body when the skin is hit by certain UV rays in sunlight. Vitamin d plays an essential role in mood regulation.

[@Napltn]

"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire"

[@mdjey2]

Fire could be considered as single most important symbol of evolution in my opinion.

[@jenstrudenau9134]

Also Tradition teaches us there are two genders and nothing in between and by tradition mean evolution

[@HighFlyingOwlOfMinerva]

@@jenstrudenau9134 *sexes. There is no such thing as "gender".

[@NitroNinja324]

@@HighFlyingOwlOfMinerva Gender's just a PG way of saying sex and everyone knows it.

[@HighFlyingOwlOfMinerva]

@@NitroNinja324 It isn't. It's word coined in the 1950s by the highly dubious "sexologist" John Money and means *nothing.* Use the correct word or consider shutting up.

[@GamingDemiurge]

"Tradition is the sum of successful innovations" That's one of the most brilliant sentences I heard in a long long time.

[@swegatron2859]

Eg gender roles

[@apersonwhohasnothing]

​@@swegatron2859we are talking about architecture here.

[@ghy518]

Eh, it’s nice in this context, but traditions like, say… slavery or circumcision shouldn’t be deemed as all-around successes

[@longiusaescius2537]

@ghy518 cool it with the antisemitism bucko

[@YevgeniyBelov]

"Tradition is the transmission of customs, beliefs, and cultural practices from one generation to another." ChatGPT.

[@InyeW206]

As an American the first time I experienced this with full awareness was when my girlfriend and I visited Venice, Italy and Marrakesh, Morrocco. I was born in Seattle, WA and have actually travelled widely internationally, but so many cities are so poorly laid out that noticing the impact of the planning, or in many cases the total lack of, takes a back seat to the effort it takes to just get around as a visitor. Both Venice and Marrakesh challenged my sense of scale and distance, mainly because of the sheer density and diversity of uses and activities within walking distance. There was a feeling of going further and doing more in a much smaller geographic footprint. When I returned to Seattle I found myself using google maps to retrace the places we walked and comparing similar distances that we typical travelled here at home. I was thinking about stepping out of the front door of our guest house in each of those cities and recalling how many people and storefront business we saw within an eighth to a quarter mile and comparing it to what we experienced here in Seattle. The differences couldn't be more radical. I made me understand these principles on a viceral level. It also helped me be aware of how much city design shapes our lifestyles and personal identities. I never thought about motorized mobility in Venice or Marrakesh. We walked everywhere. That is not such a big deal in Venice, in Marrakesh it is a bit different. There we stayed in the Medina (old city), but did travel to the more modern parts of the city. We walked everywhere inside and a reasonable radius around the Medina. The differences between the two parts of the city couldn't be more stark. One is definitively car centric, the other is not. It made me think about how much my personal identity is bound up with my vehicle and how those are things that have been imposed on me by my environment. I would love for there to be more options in American cities to have the design of old cities. It certainly feels less stressful and much more humane.

[@macpduff2119]

Albuquerque and Santa Fe NM USA were my first experiences visiting cities and airports that have a different sense of place. It was a joy to get off the plane in Albuquerque - even the airport had element sod Native American and Spanish Colonial. Our cities need a sense of place.

[@gary9933]

@@macpduff2119 I live here and can tell you there is definitely a different vibe regarding place. It's also because in places like west ABQ and Rio Rancho they have to xeriscape everything because of the lack of water rights available in those areas.

[@alexkhorne7733]

It isn't only about Seattle. Most of the US cities are so inhumane and sprawl. I suffer a lot from this fact and haven't got accustomed to it for a year. I also have to admit that there are some areas which a more walkable, humane and enjoyable for people's being, but they create such a huge demand that it's impossible to get

[@garryferrington811]

American cities used to be beautiful (except industrial areas.) The revival of the old part of Pasadena, CA, which was a desolate slum, was a resounding success.

[@manipulatortrash]

that, and the rampant car infestations lmao. But to fix that we'd need to prove to the public that public transport is indeed preferrable. My hope is that states like California prove the usefulness of things like high speed rail and that soon after Californian cities become more walkable. I've noticed a trend throughout american history that typically issues like these are best debated not on the federal level, but by proof of concept on the state level. For instance, the marijuana debate. Anyone else notice states being more efficient at changing their laws? That isn't to say a federal government isn't needed of course, but it doesn't hurt to look towards more lower level governments to show what works or not. We also need to dispel the notion that public transport needs to make a profit, our highway tolls don't tend to make a profit either so there is literally nothing to lose.

[@Mark-xd5up]

The renaissance of traditional architecture should be a top priority of this generation. Beautiful, human scale environments improve our quality of life incredibly.

[@julian5345]

Agreed

[@musicAle77]

So true

[@kelvinsurname7051]

Not only architecture, but also art and interior design. Time proves that antiques were made to last.

[@edwalker598]

I don't see why we cant have modern architecture and walkable urban planning at the same time

[@rom-428]

​​​@@edwalker598that's a good question. I think the reason for putting walkable cities and modern architecture together being contradictory is because the idea for zoning (separating the area of living, working, etc...) comes from Modernism.

[@Alex-br6qt]

It’s so satisfying to see these discussions brought to the public these last years with channels like yours, thanks for your work!

[@Mark-xd5up]

It should be a top priority of this generation to counter the failure that modernism is.

[@AwesomeHairo]

"It’s so satisfying to see these discussions brought to the public these last years with channels like yours. Thanks for your work!" Replace the comma with a period after "yours". "...like yours. Thanks for your work!"

[@jesseleeward2359]

Not long ago, when I was in school, you were considered backwards if you said anything in favour of 'Disneyland' revivalsist architecture.

[@railroadforest30]

Indeed

[@Matheus_Braz]

​@@AwesomeHairo cool, thanks for your input.

[@Spudeaux]

"Traditions are the solutions to problems we forgot we had" - I'm not sure where this quote originated, but I heard it on a podcast recently, and I think it sums this situation up nicely.

[@stevecooper7883]

Postmodernism was a disaster for our society

[@princevesperal]

Wow! I need to note that one down!

[@sasi5841]

I think it was either CS lewis

[@catherinesanchez1185]

I’m writing this one down !!!

[@JesusProtects]

I hope people embrace the tradition of reading the bible more often.

[@sk8Joe]

Im an architect from Guatemala. Could not help but notice the footage you used from ‘Cayala’ - a city within a city and one of the best things to happen to our capital. As architects we’ve been failing our fellow citizens by rejecting traditional ideas. Thanks for the video, you can count on my subscription 👍🏼

[@parisgermain523]

It looks like you're walking around Ancient Rome.

[@franklinqueiroz2130]

I was about to mention Cayala! Great example. So beautiful, so welcoming.

[@ehec-s6j]

I wish we also build new cities like Cayala in my country

[@Bcbweb]

Cayalá is a worthy attempt and I would prefer it to modernity, but it pales in comparison to the depth of beauty and authenticity of a colonial or old European town. It's like a big shopping centre masquerading as a Spanish town. Maybe it would work better if the buildings served community functions rather than being chain stores and restaurants. I think this touches on the major omission in this video; it's not as simple as creating nice architecture again. Old traditional architecture is inextricable from the cultures that built and inhabited it. The issue isn't just with modernity in architecture, we are suffering a crisis of modernity in everything.

[@K.Dilkington]

I've had arguments over this very topic with many people. I'm glad to have found your channel, and I look forward to what you will produce in the future. The scourge of modernism on Europe is revolting.

[@robertgronewold3326]

One thing we don't want to ignore with the restoration of more traditional styles is modern day technology. We are quickly moving to the stage where it would be possible to produce the ornamentation for the facade of a new building in a matter of hours and not months. Bricks might be made of new, stronger materials, glass windows could produce electricity from sunlight and statuary could be literally printed and set into place. I really think we can go big over the coming century.

[@jasraj155]

And also 3d printing monuments out of stone more quickly and cheaply than hiring other people to make them

[@robertgronewold3326]

@@jasraj155 You would basically only need the initial artist, and then the labor to install. Would be quite quick.

[@lil-t3ban]

But if we just kept thinking like this we won’t make new houses we will just be sitting waiting for more innovation

[@Njyyrikki]

​@@jasraj155 kind of conflicts with the inherent qualities of art. Mass produced art is soulless.

[@Rigam98]

@@Njyyrikki yeah unfortunately it isnt such beautiful things werent mass produced.

[@nicholasphelps3872]

I'm an American and I agree 100%. Old New York skyscrapers like the Woolworth building were gothic masterpieces.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Amen! I need to go there just to film these, and the Chicago ones

[@nicholasphelps3872]

Yeah, back when America wasn't ugly. Hopefully we can return to it, every once in a while I see a new development come up in a big city that is traditionally styled.

[@MegaSickcat]

Agree!! That building along with the Chrysler Building, the Ansonia, the Dakota and every other lovely older building in NYC are beyond beautiful.

[@railroadforest30]

True

[@twentysecondcenturywoman]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@VictorECaplon]

I hope we move toward new traditional architecture, especially in Europe and around the Mediterranean where there is a rich culture and experience in various architectural styles.

[@Dkliptus]

Could not agree more!

[@thec1one70]

all around the world there is amazing architecture not just in europe we are a modernly europe centrick society cus they colonised everything i live in new mexico and there is so much amazing history and culture sure i love europe but there is so much more than europe

[@Dkliptus]

@@thec1one70 Agree, that’s also through beyond Europe. But Europe is one of the great examples of the overall dynamic.

[@jenstrudenau9134]

For Europe to live the eu must perish

[@CarloRossi54523]

@@thec1one70 New Mexico traditional architecture is mud huts

[@rodrigo.gibson]

I moved to Budapest a few years ago from Sydney. Although I miss the beach, city life is much better in Budapest, and it's perhaps one of the only major cities in Europe that's investing a lot in renovating and building classic edifices and quarters using modern technology to recreated traditional turn-of-the-century (19th-20th) ornate architecture. My old city of Sydney is a typical car-focused urban sprawl, with only a minuscule section in the inner city by the harbour (The Rocks) that still preserves traditional architecture, but living in that area is financially prohibitive for the average Joe, and distances between districts and suburbs are so long that most suburbs are basically their own mini cities.

[@KaineHayward]

A bit unfair to Sydney; there are a quite a few charming, traditional neighbourhoods in the Inner West, Inner East and Lower North Shore. (I'm a fellow ex-Sydneysider.) However, the vandalism done to the CBD in the second half of the 20th century is a great shame.

[@rodrigo.gibson]

@@KaineHayward You're right, Kaine. There are still some pockets of traditional architecture in those places you said. And yeah, vandalism has really taken its toll on some streets in the cbd. I used to live in Petersham, and Marrickville, and some homes and the main streets of some suburbs in the inner-west still have some of that old charm. So yeah, I was a bit unfair to Sydney lol, but those traditional pockets only represent a small fraction of the whole metropolitan sprawl, when compared to some european cities.

[@backintimealwyn5736]

BUdapest is a very nice city. I agree. Right size , beauty everywhere , way of life (give me the baths, I want baths), even the metro is a marvel.

[@laurac2783]

...and that's how Budapest becomes financially prohibitive for the avarage Hungarian Jancsi...

[@janosnagy3096]

Budapest is old, crumbling, hideous and expensive. A hot mess really. No wonder movie crews always go there when they are looking for scenery that looks like the Warsaw ghetto.

[@wertyuiopasd6281]

Very good video. It actually is a very important topic on the current status of our occidental civilization. Nihilism and hate of beauty in architecture shows our lack of vitalism. Bring out the harmonies and the colors. Bring out classicism back too!

[@talmadge1926]

I once spoke to an architect friend and asked why his profession design buildings today with no facade detail or ornamentation and why is it that classical elements have been abandoned. His answer was short. " because the client doesnt want to pay for it"

[@chrystianaw8256]

Which is weird because modern architecture is even more expensive, especially public and government buildings. They are not meant to last, they rot rather quickly

[@bomcabedal]

@@chrystianaw8256 The issue is that these are the first elements to suffer from last-minute cost-cutting. An architect will design something, the client wishes to cut corners. They can't change the fundamentals, and so start cutting every other corner they can.

[@superslash7254]

Your friend lied. They produce ugly hostile hard to use buildings from the very beginning on purpose because their goal is to demoralize society and bring about violent revolution. It's not due to "cost cutting", these modern buildings are more expensive. It's because they want to push an agenda.

[@ElectRocnicOfficial]

@@chrystianaw8256 which is a good thing, so we can get rid of them as soon as possible -.-

[@rafap1719]

But in 19th century most of the ornamentation was mass produced and it was not that expensive. So it is fallacy to think about every building as needing craft hand made unique ornamentation. Secondly, most of the 18-19th century vernacular building did't have much ornamentation.

[@rayke0627]

The fact that after 3 full episodes this channel is already this big speaks volumes to how much this idea resonates with people.

[@189Blake]

I just searched for Cayala in Guatemala and its utterly beautiful. I hope one day we can replicate that in Mexico, and of course later on a global scale.

[@gorbynr1]

actually there is something simular in Mexico. its called Val’quirico. I was there 2021 and it was very beutiful.

[@BadhopRUS]

Do you see vast parking lots around Cayala? It`s just attraction, not real working sustainable city. Not many people could afford to live there, especially in Guatemala.

[@felicote]

Cayala is not urbanism. It is Elysium.

[@1789Henrique]

Cayalá looks pretty nice, but it looks more like something only a few people could afford. I'm all for aesthetic pleasant architecture, but we should figure out ways to make it affordable, otherwise we would only create good quality environments for rich people.

[@colummulhern8865]

@@BadhopRUS You say that without really knowing, as it looks so good. It is not a gated community and is sold at market prices. You could move there tomorrow if you liked. Or if more architects designed like this you wouldn't have to. It has all the current amenities including parking and is sustainable. I don't know how you can imagine the contrary.

[@lennih]

In the city centre of London and also in Edinburgh in the UK, I've seen with my own eyes new buildings under construction with cranes and everything mimicking the traditional architecture around them, with old-looking façades and modern HVAC systems behind them. Which made me wonder how many of the "old" buildings around them were really old, because they blended in so smoothly that once the construction was finished it would be virtually impossible to tell the difference from the outside.

[@jorgembn3946]

I like how you sometimes makes clear that, in some cases, modernist architecture can work Usually when people talk about traditional architecture they always make clear that "modernism can never be good", but yes it can, like everything Nice video

[@morrayhak1855]

I live in France, very near to Le Plessis Robinson and never though that they were such a beautiful place around where i live. Thanks to your videos i begin to focus myself on the beauty of places and appreciate the architecture from where i am. It is a precious thing. Thank you for your work

[@milkteaalliance1748]

Its not even our buildings its stolen from tartaria research mud flood

[@wertyuiopasd6281]

France is like beautiful at every corner..

[@KalashDaCat]

@@wertyuiopasd6281 Nah bro there's a lot of ugly modern development in France

[@kelvinsurname7051]

"Beauty is vanishing from our world because we live as though it does not matter.” - Roger Scruton What an absolute brilliant mind he was. May he rest in peace.

[@chrystianaw8256]

He was right

[@railroadforest30]

The beauty of cities and the beauty of forests is being destroyed

[@txoricin]

Descanse en paz

[@newtonia-uo4889]

it is a sacred thing, beauty, and we ought to offer it to as many people as we can. the ideal naturalism

[@jace6425]

“Architecture for the poor” by Hassan Fathi is a masterpiece on traditional building customs and methods, and also a thrilling story with a sad conclusion. Highly recommended.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you Paul! I try to make as high-quality videos as I can, (will make the style a bit less 'hectic' with the moving, quivering backgrounds perhaps). A work in progress; your words of support mean a lot!

[@abdullahalam7978]

@@the_aesthetic_city I quite like the style of the videos. Even the backgrounds. Quite unique

[@sorenlampe951]

very good and important video. this phenomena of modernism also effects many other aspects of todays life. its not only architecture. it also happened in paintings for example. modern art somehow gives the feeling that its goal is to look ugly or bad because its more important that it is special, than beeing beautiful. people are scared to use traditionoal methods because they think its bad to copy what others did before and try to go their own way. everyone tries to reinvent the wheel even do it was already discovered.

[@rockonileva]

In my opinion there are some other important aspects that can be added to this discussion: 1 - The historical context of those cities. For instance. The time that the urban transformation took. Some regions the cities need to grow quickly due to rapid industrialization or housing needs (after a war, i.e.) - One thing that I love about lots of the cities that I find pleasant is that organic growth feel that they have. Without a huge masterplan thar 'organizes' stuff. 2 - City development as an investiment: When we think construction as a commodity, the main goal is to make it stand out. We need people to see our development as a landmark. As something unique. The importance of showng our uniqueness is greater that the importance of collective cohesiveness, and this idea is shoved down our throats every day. So, would a return to traditional architecture really bring cohesiveness. So it's also important question some society values in order to question the way that we build our cities / spaces. 3 - In my opinion this debate is more about the quality of space/ the scale of the space / the purpose of the space. Are we ready to question the role of the cars in our lives/cities/society (with the rise of the SUV fever, I don't think so) and build spaces that have our scale in mind. Spaces that are walkable, that are narrower, with a verticality that is not agressive. With continuity. With mixed use. Without questioning cars, maybe in a dutch Autoluw (Autoluwe) way.. And then we can bring natual materials, familiar textures and details that would keep unoticed if we're always on a car...

[@mantisshadow8990]

You have no idea how long I've been constantly checking this channel for more uploads. Please upload more frequently, if possible ofcourse. Your videos are excellent.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you so much! It's the greatest compliment I could get :) I'm sorry for the long wait, as this video took a tremendous amount of effort. I kept splitting the script (it grew too big and distracted from the main theme, so I took parts out to be discussed in other videos), but this also means that I have now 3 big chunks of videos ready to be made into new ones.

[@janmikes6102]

I really appreciate that you stressed that overly decorated and kitchy bulidings aren't the solution, either. Here in the Czech Republic, the new buildings are always either dull and absurd postmodern office complexes or chocolate-box villas in the suburbs, and neither is practical nor beautiful. Again, thank you so much for this channel!

[@j.langer5949]

Ahoj Jan, trpí tým aj Praha? Hanbím sa to priznať, ale nikdy som tam nebol.

[@janmikes6102]

@@j.langer5949 Ahoj, píšu právě ze zkušenosti Pražáka. Je to tedy samozřejmě zjednodušení, ale zhruba platí. Na periferii bují satelitní městečka (často hezoučká a vypiplaná, ale naprosto nepraktická a někdy i kýčovitá) a v památkové rezervaci právě staví šílený modernistický projekt kancelářských budov od Zahy Hadid. Je to na Slovensku podobné?

[@hmjustanattempttowerphobia3254]

A bude hůř... Díky nové směrnici EK o renovaci budov, která nařizuje, aby veškeré stávající stavby v energetických kategoriích G a F byly zatepleny do roku 2033. Podaří-li se tedy tento nesmysl zrealizovat tak do 10 let veškerá architektura, kterou zde máme prakticky vymizí a bude nahrazena výše zmíněným.

[@jamalgibson8139]

This happens in the US with some new construction. Typically, they're called "power centers" or "urban malls" and they basically take the concepts of urbanism, slap them over a retail space, surround it with a sea of parking, and hope you don't notice the lack of soul in the area.

[@batt3ryac1d]

Man Google translate works really well on Czech(or Slovak idk) that wasn't janky or messed up at all like it is in other languages sometimes.

[@scoops2]

I love your point about how craftsmanship should be prestigious. I'd love to be in a society that venerates and values artisans. And I'm not talking about the contractor that has no passion for their job that did the tile in my bathroom wrong lol I'm talking about craftspeople who treat their work as an art. I personally hold them in higher regard than a Lawyer or whatever else is traditionally prestigious.

[@analiesesimmerman9140]

Excellent points! Glad your video/ channel came up in my feed. New follower! I’ve been a lover of architecture and interiors all of my life. While going through Design school and learning architectural history, it hurt my heart to see how modernized we have become. I became slightly obsessed with “old world” architecture and Fairs and Exhibitions, etc. The things we used to make had purpose yet could be a thing of beauty. Care, dedication, thought and time was put into EVERYTHING. From a lamppost to a pocket watch. They were adorned. And the materials they used: metals, stone, woods, were built to last. Now, it’s a plastic-based, throw-away culture we have turned into. Not saying everything is shit but compared to what we once created, what happened to us? It’s like erasing history and our abilities :(

[@thec1one70]

as a high school student who wants to be an architect and city desighner this video basicaly summarises exactly the type of builds and areas i want to desighn using modern and old techniques to make the best buildings but also add in more modern inventions for sustainability

[@nathanielmartins5930]

Small correction: In arid climate, a domed roof is better. As a flat roof provides a huge area for sun light to fall directly on, causing it to absorb more of its heat. While a domed roof, or one with a three dimentional shape, will absorb the sun light directly from only the side facing the sun. Also the domed design allows for more air circulation and convection currents.

[@cathjj840]

I suppose a domed roof is much more expensive. I believe the falt rooves are also useful for cooling off as people use them to sleep on at night.

[@venahkashmira8396]

Flat roofs because little rain or snow, also to sleep on at night. They're generally made of materials with high thermal mass like stone, so they absorb heat without transmitting a lot of it through to the house itself during the day, and slowly release it at night when it's cold because arid areas are also actually colder at night. Added benefit of being warmed up if sleeping on the flat roof at night and being cooler because they're open to the winds higher up during the day

[@JakobFischer60]

They destroyed a modern quarter in Frankfurt a.M., Germany that was build after ww2 in the brutalism style and rebuild almost exactly how it was before the war. They had big problems because of new regulations prohibiting buildings to be so close together but they managed it by declaring several buildings as one. The area is in the old city center at the Romer and is super popular now. Some of thebuildings were exact restaurations, others only build in the former style.

[@snuffying]

a bit too sterile looking in my opinion, but definitely one step in the right direction. FfM was one of the most beautiful cities in prewar Germany, now it is sadly just a lame excuse of a city, half of it in ruin, and half of it developing at an amazingly fast pace with the towers. all drowned in drug addiction and poverty/riches and the systematic destruction of alternative cultural spaces (f example Atelier, and numerous Bars...) Awful, sad. Truly.

[@Mtl-zf9om]

Because it's a win for everyone. Instead of benefiting the city planners and contractors only. This is what tourists expect in their unconscious mind to see when arriving in a certain area. Sadly, city planners and contractors seek financial profit and security over of the well-being of citizens. It's simple, put yourself in tourists' shoes and capitalize on the positive things while refining that last touch. Architectural, construction schools and city halls recruitment policies must be rigorous.

[@kristoffersparegodt420]

What’s the name of the quarter

[@billbobert]

Thats so stupid

[@guerreiro943]

@@kristoffersparegodt420 Frankfurt Altstadt or simply Frankfurt Old Town

[@murilostrapasson7016]

Greetings from Brazil! I'm an architecture student and look forward to implementing this ideas on my projects.

[@colummulhern8865]

delighted to see you as a student liking this. Please share, and don't fail school if they don't allow you to do it. Wait until you qualify. Show it to the other students and debate at school.

[@Game_Hero]

What would be the traditional architecture and architectural cultural heritage to take from in Brazil?

[@colummulhern8865]

@@Game_Hero That' question is a good start for a student from Brasil. There is of course the colonial architecture, but what methods and materials were used in thos lost cities being discovered in the Amazon. Towns the size of London at the time. Much of their intelligence was lost. Classicism is present outside Rome, but it was adapted to materials, climates and local tradirions all over the empire, giving rise to other local forms of architecture. Travellers always brought ideas and tdetails home from their travels and travelling carftsmen also brought their know-how and details. So there's no limit, but alwways use a local framework as a starting point or as a reality check.

[@murilostrapasson7016]

@@Game_Hero It pretty much depends on the region, on the coast line the portuguese architecture is prevalent, near the amazon river people still build traditionally (we call it palafita) and also there are many cities that were founded by european migrants (germans, italians, dutch, ukranians, polish and even japanese).

[@manuelsen69]

just been to diamantina, mg, over the easter holiday and what a beautiful little city that is!

[@1xm_mx1]

I think this fondness for sufficient ornamentation is the reason many people love Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, which are a happy medium between modern architecture and traditional architecture. Vernacular architecture is another term for traditional architecture, by the way.

[@jollybees7118]

건축물, 도시 디자인 등 급 관심이 많아져서 찾아 보는데 어떤 영상보다도 정말 훌륭한 영상이에요! 한 글자도 진심 흘려들을게 없어요. 유튜브에서 이런 댓글 처음 달아보네요. 종종 영상 올려주시면 잘 보겠습니다❤ 오늘 영상 잘 봤습니다. 😊 배울게 너무 많아요. 감사합니다!

[@tombriand2851]

I am going to study architecture because my dream is to build again what makes my country great and beautiful (I am French). I completely find myself in your video. I have had the opportunity to work with other people in the construction industry, and I must admit that for the moment I am pessimistic. The whole sector is ruled by money, that's not new. There are many cases where architects work with real estate developers, for example, and it is the developers who impose the conditions of construction: no ornamentation because it is too expensive, preferring this material to another because it is cheaper, etc. It's almost impossible as an architect to impose yourself on developers who often work with city councils and decide what should be built.

[@markclemens3409]

The argument to use is that French social housing built according to the principles of modernism generates alienation and anomie. Huge numbers of barres and tours have been demolished starting as long ago as the 1970s. If French mayors and planners want to avoid having to demolish social housing every 30 years, they need a new model. There might be material you can use from works such as Agnès Berland-Berthon's La Démolition des immeubles de logements sociaux, 2009. Bonne chance.

[@colummulhern8865]

Building traditional costs no more than building modernist. The only difference is the idology. Plessis Robinson is almoust all commercial developer work, as iare cayala, Poundury etc. No-one builds these to not make money. When you begin architectural studies you'll find this out. Youll have to suffer and produce modernist projects until you get out. There are great traditional architects and craftsmen in France, but they get no publicity, quite the opposite. Please follow your dream and help make France beautiful again.

[@colummulhern8865]

​@@tombriand2851 My pleasure Tom. People like you are badly needed.

[@javierpacheco8234]

Keep going we are gonna be the change that our architecture will need.

[@CHMichael]

You have your work cut out for you. Now it's your job to create a similar feeling without spending too much extra money and selling the developer the idea that even a small investment or giving up small amounts of space to public use will make the development much more profitable. Hang in there - lots of work for little money in the beginning.

[@c.m.b.7567]

i miss pretty architecture

[@c.m.b.7567]

@@erikascheepers2375 soon people will realize how bad were messing up and they will bring back old architecture

[@DefenestrateYourself]

I miss non car-centric urban design. I’d argue it’s more important than pretty architecture

[@Marco_franceschini]

@@DefenestrateYourself no.

[@GabiN64]

​@@erikascheepers2375 european cities feel so different from American

[@kingofprussia17]

We all do, classical architecture feels like a prison then what modern architecture is.

[@kr9ptontv]

As a German architecture student and trained craftsman as a painter in the preservation of monuments, I can only say that it is very difficult to relate to classical architecture. I myself have to teach myself everything from the order of the columns to the design of the windows..... If it is no longer even taught at the universities and supported, we will never build and rethink in such a direction. I don't know what it's like with teaching in other countries, but in Germany you're very limited when it comes to classical architecture, even though we've made a major contribution to history...

[@t__v_____290]

I believe some of the only places where you can study classical architecture are in the USA (maybe asia too??) its really sad that the continent with the most classical cities has no classical education left.

[@Astke]

It adds cost and time to buildings that need to be made efficiently because housing is needed. I am not saying we need to go back to '60s architecture with just squares and gray concrete. But I see plenty of new developments here in The Netherlands that are not traditional or ornamented at all, but look very welcoming and nice.

[@FinnBrownc]

For my part, I find it much easier to relate to classical architecture than any moderist structure.

[@dschmid8845]

The University of Notre Dame School of Architecture offers a full degree program in traditional architecture. The school was completely overhauled a number of years ago and is among the best in the world. There is a demand for graduates from this school, who gain immediate employment in traditional design, especially in the US. Hard to believe, but it’s true.

[@javierpacheco8234]

I know it's hard because you have to learn it all by yourself, but keep going you got this!

[@kolliwanne964]

Our local Uni-library is actually useing both styles. Many modernist aspects, but also a good chunk of traditional influences which give it a much more enjoyable flaire.

[@13cicc]

It’s such a wonderful feeling to know that there are people who see the vital importance of this issue!!!

[@purpledevilr7463]

Neo-Tudor is my favourite design. I think we should build like that.

[@javierpacheco8234]

I also like Tudor architecture especially the ones from medieval Europe.

[@WRYouTube326]

Thanks! Great job. Your analysis and presentation were top notch.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you so much Barry!

[@TheRuralUrbanist]

Thank you so much for making this video, I will absolutely share this with a few people in my home city (Portsmouth, NH)!!! Your comments about good craftsmanship still existing reminds me of a restoration that occurred recently where I grew up! An old YMCA was being converted into a jazz club, and the owners wanted to restore a set of bay windows that had been removed. They found a boat maker, who had all of the skills and tools required to rebuild them in full ornament. Using library of Congress photos, the stunning result looks as it did over 100 years ago! You never know where the skills and inspiration will come from!

[@Berkana]

I love your videos and your advocacy for smart urbanism and traditional wisdom in architecture. I have one point of feedback though: some of the places that need to hear your message the most are in Asia. If you were to get volunteers to make well translated closed-captioning subtitles in Chinese (both traditional and simplified), Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, etc. these ideas could make an impact in parts of the world that desperately need to have these ideas cross-pollinate into their countries.

[@Qtopian]

Im currently buying a house and it was near impossible to find a house with any kind of charm and not a cookie cutter house where you can see your neighbors through your window. It’s so depressing and i think most homebuyers nowadays just expect living in a new construction home to be the norm and having a more charming older house a nightmare (even though older just means 1950s)

[@MeepChangeling]

YOur charming older home IS a nightmear. Heating costs? Extreemly high. Plumbing issues? yes. Bad wiring? yes. Possible lack of a ground loop? Yep! Old construction isn't good. We SHOULD be replacing everything simply because we can now make stuff that's cheep to USE and actually okay for the environment long term. It doesn't have to look bad, but by god old stuff HAS to go.

[@Qtopian]

@@MeepChangeling um I live in the south, dont need heating often, and since it is an older home it is insulated enough where we dont need to use the a/c often. Not sure about the wiring or plumbing but yea those things should be updated. We have yet to experience any problems and dont have lead pipes. You can have an old home but update the wiring and fixtures if needed. We shouldnt bulldoze every home built pre 1970…

[@cathjj840]

@@MeepChangeling Rubbish - both your opinion and the result of all that destruction.There wouldn't be all these beautiful , livable places places in the world to visit or live in if we listened to your idiocy. Tearing down everything is also extremely wasteful. innovation canand does apply to refurbishing and maintenance as well as new build. Remember the improvement asbestos everywhere was supposed to bring us? An ongoing nightmare.

[@erikziak1249]

Currently there is a construction ongoing in Bratislava, right below the castle, next to the Danube. It is called Vydrica (that was demolished decades ago) and I really hope it will turn out good. I really do not need replicas, but something where I can feel good just walking down the street, causally looking around, checking local stores, etc.

[@vipeton.8927]

Bratislava is amazing city. And good modern architecture too, Eurowea

[@thomase13]

Wow - Brilliant video - I was personally familiar with most of the content of the video, but this is a great resource to be able to share and educate others! Of course many things had to be excluded, but the relatively short length makes this much more shareable! Thanks so much! :)

[@TheAnadromist]

Thanks for your work. Much food for thought. One of the things I've come to see as major collateral damage of Modernist/Postmodernist architecture's collusion with urban planning and financial corruption is the loss of any texture but the smooth and cold. As contemporary design constantly removes both the quality of the materials (try to find real wood in new furniture has become a nightmare of illusory materials) and the sense of natural texture, I believe that we are left only with the screen as a substitute. All of which is flat and dead texturally. Which has led me to the conclusion that texture abandoned, which no one truly noticed as it was being erased (try to find a book on the meaning of texture), is something like a vitamin deficiency. Environmental textures are like nutrition, and we suffer from the sugar of the shiny and smooth. The imitation of the new. So I think architects and designers have to find a way to encourage and reinstall real textures into our cowardly new world. Or else we will all inhabit what a Dutch friend calls Netflix boxes. I have discussed these things a bit.

[@ideaseeds01]

It is not modernism o contemporary design but the price and the money my dear. People want to have everything cheap and are wondering it is made of fake wood ? Fake food. 100 years ago to make a bed it took 10 days. Will you pay a guy 10days. Wage for a bed or a table?

[@ideaseeds01]

I would design you a perfect house with a perfect furniture and then you will complaint how much time it took and how much it costs. And thats just the design then the people building it will need time to make it and then the regular answer comes . But in IKEA it is just 99,90. 😉

[@TheAnadromist]

@@ideaseeds01 Be very selective. Or avoid IKEA entirely. I have one IKEA type piece. It's made from wood. Period. And IKEA is Modern Design.

[@MrReedling]

Yes, This is a major flaw in modernism/postmodernism. One thing which You can see, is that even in cases of the most minimalist designs by modernist architects the building actually ends up looking charming if built with proper materials such as stone. Thus one of the biggest problems with modernist and postmodernist architecture lies in the adoption of modern materials.

[@TheAnadromist]

@@MrReedling Agreed. Modern materials, especially faux wood, are often made in most environmentally degrading way imaginable. Faux wood is essentially a plastic. And I wonder how these will bless the land in the future.

[@孝欽顯皇后葉赫那拉氏]

I am a learner of both English and French who always fancy hearing you to share your stories of different architectural miracles in both languages. That will definitely be a joyfulness to me if all those videos are going to be narrated not only in English.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

I hope to translate the videos at some point, but it will be a time consuming process - so probably it will take some time

[@anonperson3972]

Your summary of traditions is great. I wish more people understood this, rather than just obsessing over "progress".

[@fraxinus86]

A book tip for those who understand German: "Die gemordete Stadt" ("the murdered city") by Wolf J Siedler and Elisabeth Niggemeyer. It shows in essays and many comparative photos what (bad) influence modernism has on Berlin. It was published in 1964, almost sixty years ago! And not much has changed, at most for the worse...

[@mateuszkunda9400]

Yeah... just look at streets such as Unter den Linden or Friedrichstrasse. Once one of the most luxurious and beautiful boulevards in Europe, today dominated by horrid architecture... very very sad. I wish the book you mention had been translated into English as German cities are of particular interest of mine and my German language skills are not yet enough to read such a book... :(

[@KyleArnot]

I fully subscribe to "New Traditional Architecture", but I would like if you could do a video on how this approach can avoid pastiche imitation and achieve authenticity. This is probably the biggest blocker to NTA being wholesale employed. P.S. Loving your videos.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you! I will certainly look at that. It is an important topic Pastiche imitation will seize to exist when architectural education starts to educate traditional architecture again. Illiteracy in proper traditional architecture causes the ugly pastiche versions. Even though many pastiche buildings are still more pleasant than their Modernist counterparts! Apart from that, 'pastiche' is a term used by Modernist architects to bash on anything traditional. It does exist, but I hate how the term is being abused to discredit the entire concept of traditional architecture - that has got to stop. As I said, I believe education is the answer to that problem.

[@markclemens3409]

If the emphasis is put on developing new vernacular (local or regional) architecture built from local materials, then the tendency towards pastiche can be avoided naturally.

[@cornemou]

@@the_aesthetic_city i think what cause this is just putting stuck or stucko , like putting fake ornements and decorations on a concrete building, instead of having the stones cut to be ornaments, most of the time the building is not made of stone but just a centimeter of stone is added, fake. We should reuse stone building technique and also bricks, where the brick that is not decorative is used also to decorate with pattern etc

[@camillelemmens1745]

@@the_aesthetic_city I personally think a lot of contemporary builds are pastiche imitation of modernist innovation. While tastes can differ, it is hard to call early modernist architecture, from Le Corbusier and Bauhaus and the likes, unesthetic. They definitely played with lines and shapes to create balance and form. Contemporary "modern" buildings seems to have completely let go of that play and just gone for squares "because that is modern and minimalist". It is so clearly profit over anything else. With that said, I completely agree that these modernist should have sticked to buildings and kept their hands off of urban planning, because they sucked at that.

[@L1ght_7]

The part where you talk about how both architecture and planning moving to a modernist approach after the war really stuck with me because I just graduated last year with a planning degree from a school of architecture. The entire time I went there, it was so crazy to me because what I was learning in the planning program was completely different than my friends in the architecture program were learning. The planning field has already mostly realized its past mistakes with switching to modernist ideas and we were learning all about how to plan for cities with people in mind and to reject modernist ideals. Jane Goodale was labeled as a hero and Le Corbusier as a villain in my planning classes. We were learning how to take cities back to being pedestrian friendly mixed-use places that people actually want to spend time in and interact with. My architecture friends, however, were learning about all of the modernist "masterpieces" of architecture and how to design buildings using modernist ideas. Their schooling on traditional architecture was only half of one semester-long class talking about the history of architecture and learning the absolute traditional basics such as the different types of columns. The entire 4 years I was there, I don't think I saw a single architecture student use traditional design or building forms that even remotely resembled traditional building design. They would always have the most outlandish designs that screamed for attention that were vastly out of context with anything else in a city. When I would take sight-seeing trips with the school to various cities with lots of significant architecture, we would stop and tour all of the city's modernist buildings but then the traditional buildings would just get a passing mention as we walked or drove by. It really irked me by the time that I graduated that architecture was still so behind planning on returning to form, and I think part of the issue is that planning generally doesn't get the same renowned attention that architecture does. You aren't incentivized in planning to make unique things at the cost of form and function. In architecture, however, it is treated as another type of art, and the name of whoever designed the building often sticks around for years to come. Architects are incentivized to create outlandish designs to get their name out there and become famous. No famous planners are household names, whereas there are probably at least a couple architects who are known by most people. I may not be an architect or have the skills to become one, but during my future career as a planner, I hope I can encourage cities and architects I work with to consider going back to tradition. There is a reason we made cities how we did for thousands of years. *Taking and learning from design in the past doesn't make us outdated because good design never falls out of date.* Whereas Modernism already did.

[@AmaltheaVimes]

yes!

[@jamesclarke2789]

Do you mean Jane Jacobs? Not sure who Jane Goodale is.

[@L1ght_7]

@@jamesclarke2789 Sorry yes lol I wrote that at like 4 AM. Goodale is a local park... Idk how I got that mixed up with Jane Jacobs last name? I've also accidentally called her Jane Adams before too who is an entirely different historical figure. Guess I can never get her name right

[@Xero026]

Yes!! The KZbin algorithm has listened to the cries of my soul for this type of content and ideas. Awesome, beautifully produced video with great content and ideas. Keep it up!

[@no_alias_for_me]

I thought about this for years now. I live in Vienna and every time I stroll around the inner city I feel that subtle sense of peace and - I dare say - pride for what the ancestors of my people achieved 100+ years ago. On the other hand when I'm driving through our industrial/commercial districts I kinda get stressed. Not in the sense that I'm actively getting stressed by looking at these atrocities but more in a subconscious way. In my hometown right outside of Vienna a lot of new buildings were built in the last 10 years and they are all extremely bland and don't fit into the historic town center at all. Some people here started to complain already but due to higher cost nothing "traditional" is getting built here unfortunately. Talking with many people I found out that this is an issue for a lot more people than I originally thought. Maybe a change is coming soon, just as they changed their building style a few decades ago due to other reasons. I hope so at least.

[@lannyrayconnelljr]

Traditions are solutions to problems we’ve forgotten. If we stop implementing the solutions the problems come back.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Damn this is a great quote!! Okay if I use it in a future video when I mention you?

[@lannyrayconnelljr]

@@the_aesthetic_city Thank you, of course you can use it! I’ve really enjoyed your videos keep it up!

[@drac124]

Yes. Like RSS was a solution to many problems, they decided to kill it and now they are making notifications with so many features trying to do what RSS did and can't do it.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you!!

[@pedrojunior83]

It would be very interesting making a video, analysing those examples, and how well they work within their respective metropolitan areas : poundbury, dorchester le plessis robison, france st eriksomradet, stockholm brandervoort, the netherlands cayala, guatemala heulebrug, belgium

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Great idea!

[@MrReedling]

On the question of craftmanship. Do you believe it’s possible to automate construction of ornaments with digital design, A.I and machinery? I believe that would be the best way to democratise beuty and make it more affordable but I would assume we don’t have the infrastructure for it yet. Is this possible? Another question I have is about highrise construction. Load bearing masonry walls work relativly well on lower structures but I believe highrises are still necessary within our metropolises. Do you believe a traditionalist shift in architecture should affect high rises as well? One possible solution is to keep contemporary structuring but apply masonry as purely ornamental curtain walls on the buildings exterior as they did in early chicago school highrises. Do you believe this is a good idea? I think a lot of architects would be furious about it and would call it pastiche.

[@robscoggins]

The same architects that rarely live or work in the monstrosities that they impose on everyone else?

[@legowithliz3751]

What a fantastic presentation, concise, logical, inspiring and a timely one. As a carpenter and a new architectural student, I embrace your ideas of beauty, community involvement and safety with these time honoured traditionalist techniques of building which empower those people who are lucky enough to live in these communities and fosters the development of skilled tradesmen and woman.

[@prototropo]

What a breath of fresh air! That sounds ironic in regard to traditional principles of architecture, but clearly it's not. Thank you for giving us hope in the architecture of the future. By the way, your Northern European accents are fabulous!

[@sjhoff]

I just went on vacation in the midwest. I stopped by a town along the Ohio River in Indiana called Madison. The stark difference between how they used to build cities and how they do it now is on full display in Madison. The old historic district down by the river is amazingly largely intact from what it was 100 years ago. It is truly beautiful. Higher up on the hill is the newer modern sprawl that looks like so much of America is now adays. Downtown is largely small and locally owned and they care about how things look. The newer section has all of the usual suspects of corporate ugly sprawl. Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Pizza hut, car dealerships, tire shops, Lowe's etc. Every town I went to on my trip seemed the same way, an older section that you were drawn to out of it's beauty and my own curiosity, and a newer section that lacked any beauty or individuality. Honestly in most places the newer area was no different than the newer area of the last town I was in and the town before that. Frankly the new sections actually seem to bring you down and crush the spirit.

[@catherinesanchez1185]

Grew up in Ohio . They’re all like that . Many of them grew up around one or two industries : coal, steel, cars, agricultural products , etc . I always loved the old buildings . If they were well cared for they looked as good as the day they were built . Amazing history there !

[@sjhoff]

@@catherinesanchez1185 Very true, it is sad in most cases the only interesting things in the towns was built 70-100+ years ago and most don't have the mindset to preserve it.

[@nhmikey1]

Not build by humans that's why.

[@SiddharthSingh-rx1dr]

Really enjoyed watching this video, especially the part where you spoke about the drawbacks of modern architecture.

[@VictorSneller]

You’ve really advanced the dialogue. Most people want this, too! Meanwhile, most practicing architects couldn’t build a wholistic building if they tried.

[@waterloo32594]

I would just be happy going back to art deco design, with stepped back skyscrapers, bright colors, high quality materials, chrome and brass and stainless steel with marble and granite. Designs and facades to draw the eye upwards and to inspire greatness and optimism.

[@MonkeyBusinessMan]

Another great video. It’s fantastic hearing and seeing someone express so perfectly exactly what you’re feeling. And it was a bit fun seeing the very house I live in show up. 9.16 minutes in. I live in a part of Stockholm called Vasastan and it’s mostly built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and then a large beautiful part entirely built in the 1920s. And then they built those horrendous towers next to this area. It’s an eyesore. I know people who avoid walking where they see those towers. And because they are so tall it gets really windy next to them as well. Anyway amazing video and I will try and do my part to make sure more people see it. If you come back to Stockholm btw I recommend you look at these beautiful streets: Tysta gatan, Danderydsgatan, Långa gatan, Falugatan. And the whole area called Lärkstaden. Not mentioning the obvious ones as you’ve obviously been here before. I recognised many buildings from Stockholm in the video. Anyway keep up the good work, greatly appreciated!

[@jasonp.1195]

Commenting before the drop, so I've only got the blurb, but I wholeheartedly would love to see more classical forms be constructed in our towns and cities. We know 'how' to design beautiful things (video games and other media often depict such places in loving detail) but in the real world we 'settle' for the indifferent lowest effort structures I've dubbed 'Builder Boxes.' These structures; more or less function, are hopefully 'up to code,' and are the simplest things for developers to plop down - but they aren't exactly architectural gems. For that we look to the old school beauty exemplified by structures such as your video's thumbnail. It has been my hope that tech such as 3-d printing may allow for the return of beauty to our built environment.

[@snakedogman]

The problem is that there would need to be a complete intellectual and cultural shift among the architects, the schools educating them and other elites involved with building our environments, away from postmodernism and the all-out rejection of anything even remotely traditional or normative. Sadly this postmodern mindset has completely taken over all our elite institutions and it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

[@MrReedling]

@@snakedogman yes that is true. Architecture school is basically a five year indoctrination of postmodernist design principles where education about traditionalism is reduced ”architectural history” only. There is one weakness in modernist and postmodernist intellectuall thought however. Since it doesn’t build upon ages of traditional knowledge built up it can be replaced by a generation of young architects optimistic to change the world. We already see some major changes in primarily Urban planning un which we are starting to move away from car centrisism to walkable ”15 minuite cities”. What we need is for this trend to spread into the field of architecture, and with that momentum we can reinvent architecture again. Postmodernism has just like modernism had before hand, lived on for too long. We are tired of it. Let’s replace it!

[@Astke]

Even if they are not architectural gems, they still look good. We need housing that looks good and is also affordable and efficient to make. There are plenty of new developments here in The Netherlands that have no ornaments no unique style or anything like that, but still look nice and welcoming. Nice brick walls, different contrasts, nice large windows, but also still pedestrian friendly. I think looking at old = good and new = bad won't help anything. I think the maker of this video assumes way too much that most people hate modern architecture.

[@lenn939]

@@AstkeHe doesn’t assume that. It’s supported by several studies and surveys like he says. Where do people mostly go when they visit European cities? To the new parts of town or the old towns? That should answer your question what style of architecture and urbanism people prefer.

[@camden_96]

​​@@lenn939 People go to those places because they are rich with history and homogenous European culture (which is likely their reason for visiting in the first place - to see the remnants of royalty, and the places where the modern world was debated and formed). But they also equally go to the observation decks of our tallest skyscrapers; to get an otherwise unachievable view of our ancient and ever-evolving cities (like the Shard, and the Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie). Both add value to a metropolitan city. I think it's a generational divide. Most under 40's are in favour of modern metropolis, while most over 40 are in favour of a more quaint lifestyle (which I don't think it's really fair to expect - in a city of 10+ million people; if people wish for quaint they should probably live in a town/village). I personally would like to see a nice blend of the two. But I do believe your comments are false - when a new skyscraper is built it's a pretty even mix of 'absolutely not' (older generation) and 'yes - why not taller?' (younger generation) - I would say the vast majority either don't care at all - or simply think a building looks nice IF it looks nice, or looks ugly IF it looks ugly (and disregard if its modern or neo-classical).

[@itsjonna5070]

As an architect student in sweden im not against building newbuildings to look like they are old today. Another reason why we don’t have houses that have a high detail level on modern houses are that today we build houses like a readymade pussle. And ornaments are an extra cost. That the building companies don’t like

[@kelvinsurname7051]

Ornaments can be mass produced to lower the prices. Also many modern buildings especially those glass onces are more expensive than their classical beautiful counterpart. Architecture in historic center should stay classical, no modern building should be placed anywhere near them.

[@Astke]

@@kelvinsurname7051 have you ever considered that maybe... people like the glass buildings? I like both classic architecture just as much as modern architecture. I think there is a place for either.

[@kelvinsurname7051]

​@@Astke Not in the historic city center. It has always been traditional so no reason to change that. Modern buildings really destroy order and feeling. Imagine walking around in the beautiful medieval city center and in between those gorgeous lovely buildings, there is a modernistic monstrosity completely destroying the aesthetics. I have seen it far too often, it pains my heart. Historic city centers should stay and be inspired by their history. If there is one place that should stay the same and keep the same feeling it is the city center.

[@Redzwan]

​@@kelvinsurname7051that's not really how architecture works. Most of the medieval buildings you see aren't really medieval. Very little are truly medieval. Most of the time they are newer replacements. And most of the time cities can't maintain having traditional often low occupancy buildings. Population as we know it has boomed and building owners want more space. Unless if it is an area of the city with high architectural AND traditional small scale economy to have heritage protection, then there is not much that can be done.

[@kelvinsurname7051]

@@Redzwan Nothing wrong with restoration and reconstruction, it is done with respect, to the orginal design, modernism isn't. It is like a disease if do not take control over it it spreads around in great numbers. I do not know where you live, but medieval is a long period of time. If you want to livd in modern city, you should do so. But keep an historic cityc center how it is should be. Traditional architecture.

[@m.i7211]

I’m confused, the main topic of this video was whether we can still build traditional architecture in the present day, but that was only covered very briefly from 12:00 to 13:40, and the answer was basically “yes we can because we have examples of it being done” and “there are a lot of criticisms but that’ll be in another video”.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Sorry for the confusion - the video began as an explanation about what traditional architecture & urbanism are in the first place. The script grew out of control several times, so had to take some parts to other videos. Still learning!

[@averageday]

I found several times in the video to watch another video or that they will make another video in the future. It seems so counterproductive.

[@최다미-o7w]

Your podcast is so important. Most cities around the world are filling up with bland cement block buildings and they are incredibly depressing.

[@BanjoSick]

Tolkien felt this in already more than 100 years ago. People love the Shire. There are reasons for that. Great video!

[@markclemens3409]

I haven't seen any comments about the works of the late Ricardo Bofill. He built a number of fairly high-density projects in France such as the Antigone and Polygone districts in Montpellier. He seemed to aim for the human scale of the Greek polis with architecture that frequently tipped its hat to traditional styles without slavish imitation.

[@ye_zus]

If "traditional architecture" is simply an adaptation to its environment, why wasn't modernism? It was developed in Europe post-WW1 as part of the wider modernist movement and as a reaction against previous stylistic trends. The 19th century fin-de-siècle was a crisis of style in the arts, the previous century had revived every style and used them freely. Architecture had sunk into nostalgia. The question became what is style? Is it just decoration? On the other hand more innovations in engineering were happening, greater structural spans, more glazing became possible (eg. Louis Sullivan etc), the real cutting edge was in technology. Modernism was the Gothic of its day, primarily a technological development (reinforced concrete and then steel) that led an ideological change. This is the context modernism inherited. Whilst I agree the modernism's application around the world (especially somewhere like Dubai) can be downright offensive, modernism is not all bad and was, at least initially, driven by progressive desires for better living conditions, cheap housing for the masses, lightness, openness, efficient living. The video paints these concerns as opposed to tradition. There was, and remains, a real desire for light and openness in our buildings. Many traditional buildings are dark, cold, energy inefficient, badly laid out, and had major issues with safety from fire, falling etc. I'm not here to defend car-oriented modernist city planning or leaky buildings or its sometimes authoritarian diktat. However to throw it out along with all its technological innovation seems silly--think about how much engineering goes into particularly larger scale buildings now: structural, services, fire, electrical, etc; how are we to reconcile these with traditional buildings? Most of the expense of modern buildings goes into these engineering disciplines, hence why facades are often boring and functional. If you're asking for all these innovations AND "traditional" architectural stylings, then I'd say you are getting into the nostalgia you mention. Also, who is going to pay for the extra cost?

[@JohnFromAccounting]

Modernism is part of the globalist movement, to try and erode all culture and national character to create one style for the whole world. Many of the influential modernists had utopian aspirations, and everything they designed with these aspirations in mind was a failure in one way or another.

[@drac124]

Well said

[@mohammedalssamraey9581]

Yes. They absolutely should the architecture of medieval and Renaissance and especially Gothic even Victorian must spread more. They're so beautiful and a pleasure to look at

[@ciroramirez6439]

"Architecture is far too important to be abandoned to the architects" - Giancarlo De Carlo It is beautiful to see people invested on the topic, advocating for cities made for humans and not money / the people who profit from speculating in the market. It is when the city started to be seen as just another machine that it all went to hell. I still have not finished the book, but I highly recommend "An Architecture of Participation" by Giancarlo De Carlo. It is a well fundamented critic to modernism, forced specialization and modern architecture/urbanism. I´d be willing to discuss it with whoever is interested!

[@MsLori62]

Thanks!

[@the_aesthetic_city]

Thank you Lori 😊🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ValeriaHrdzLzrd]

I 'm thrilled to have found this channel, is so educational. I've always disliked modern architecture but couldn't explain the reasons. With these videos I can now put words in my mouth

[@themaicky3209]

Agreed, I'm happy I'm not the only one who thought this

[@liamastill6733]

There is a way we can bypass slower craftsmanship : you may recall the robotic chisel that could carve statues without human intervention. This could speed up production of ornementation features by a lot and it wouldn't take years to get enough for a larger building. 3D printing for buildings is also on the horizon.

[@bushy9780]

and the carver whose job you just replaced loses his livelihood and purpose. This modernist thinking is the problem.

[@liamastill6733]

@@bushy9780 Yeah well, half of all jobs are gonna be replaced by robots and AI, craft people won't get special treatment. If people want the finely crafted real stuff then they can pay the premium. But the truth is there will never be _mass_ production of hand made ornamentation that could fill buildings to the scale that the Victorians could, without employing new technology.

[@drac124]

@@bushy9780 So you have 2 apartments to buy: both same size, one is 30% more because of manually carved statues and traditional architecture and will take 6 years to complete, you pay while wait. The other is 30% cheaper, modern with cement etc, fast to build. Which one do you choose? Easy to blame modernist thinking or society, when we, the consumers make our choice of price every single day in every single product.

[@drac124]

@@liamastill6733 Exactly. I think people forget that those lovely buildings and mansions and castles were build with slavery manpower. The lovely Victorian age building were build on the excess of money from slavery manpower from cotton and sugar plantations in Brazil, India and other countries. Easy to forget the majority of the city were slums and a small portion of the society, who have international companies, paid for all the building we like to see today. Go order a statue manual crafted to see if won't cost you a kidney. Its like the criticism of soviet blocks. People were living on the streets and now they have a home. 2023: those blocks are horrible, not nice enough. Its the street! Do you know how it to live on the streets? I rather have a lot of ugly cheap houses than a few well make building while everyone is living on the streets.

[@bushy9780]

@@drac124 Well, it's only a small minority of elites that make the decisions to offer the lower price, cookie cutter garbage in order to increase their profit margins. We don't see the Amish clamoring to mass produce stuff and they're still living today, with a purpose.

[@paulflanagan1988]

Excellent video, just need to see more of them now ;-) As a wood and stone carver I would love to see more of these ideas implemented into architecture.

[@metdominik3885]

As an architect, i was taught and came to see in my professional capacity that balance is extremely important for our lives and environment...

[@armorbearer9702]

(9:50) I am glad you mentioned that older cities had more flexibility in what could be built. This encouraged people to explore the city and connect with the local people.

[@lunathebryant]

the entirety of Los Angeles needs to watch this video. Really wish we could cut up large sections/areas of LA and transform them into beautiful traditional walkable areas.

[@sanniepstein4835]

Sadly, you need the right people as well. Detroit and San Francisco could not overcome ideological possession.

[@Levieran88]

Yes yes yes! I hope buildings and cities have soul again

[@wilfredvanvalkenburgh2874]

It's nice to have found your channel. The type of people who care enough about the built environment and their willingness to share their thoughts and ideas are truly refreshing. Somehow, I thought I might be the only one. I am glad I am not.

[@the_aesthetic_city]

You are not alone - once more people realise this, a lot of good things can happen

[@DannyBoy443]

One of my new favorite channels. I mean, the logo alone.

[@kumbah2006]

I noticed that towards the end of the video, the musical background got better, and the narrator's voice was easier to understand. It's too bad that most of the beginning was difficult to hear on the first listen, but I am glad that he lowerd the background music, so he sounded louder. Thank you again for making this ! :)

[@ElAvionLoco]

Yes please! Bring back beautiful buildings again! 😍💪🏼

[@bhadawar01]

I'm also working the same and studying the Traditional Indian Architecture of different dynasties of India. Keep it up, Love from INDIA.

[@Lumynex8335]

can you maybe talk about the german cities of dresden and frankfurt, which had their historic city-centres rebuilt (recently) also including completely new designs with a traditional influence? I think that would be really interesting, as it shows that historic buildings can still be built and combined with new building techniques. I wonder, do you know about these cities, because you never talk about them even if they are a big achievement btw i really love your videos, hope you can contuinue this!

[@aguilarraliuga1777]

And they absolutely horrid in contrast, I don’t understand what your seeing

[@Lumynex8335]

​@@aguilarraliuga1777 I find it fascinating how these cities have managed to combine historic elements with new building techniques, and I think it's a testament to their resilience and creativity. if I am being honest, having all of the rebuilt buildings historic would have been even better, but its still an awesome achievement, even though It's interesting to see how different people perceive these architectural choices

[@ArcherVideo]

I started following Building Culture a few weeks ago. Love that you shouted them out!

[@SirGabrielBohrer]

Anti-modernism is a wave that is set to stay and evolve throughout the decades to come. It doesn't matter why. I want to know HOW. Please make content about techinics and constructive methods of the ornnaments and such. Great work! Keep it comming!

[@vebjrnmoskvil8151]

This message should seriously be communicated to as many city councils as possible. I would recommend going to your next publicly open city council meeting, raising this issue, and communicate some of these great points! This should probably be done in a public hearing for some new development project or other city planning related meeting. The more ears can hear this message, the more Le Plessis-Robinson or other fantastic city-wide plans we'll get!

[@TheManHimself94]

Very well said my friend. I very much hope we in the UK see more Poundburys (our equivalent to Le Plessis-Robinson) around opposed to those the dull, if not depressing developments we've seen over the past 65 years. The more the message is spread about traditionalism in architecture and its benefits, the better.

[@colummulhern8865]

Please do this as best you can wherever you are.

[@shaynewhite1]

It's important to remember, however, that during the initial rise of modernist architecture, it was seen as an answer to rotting city slums that had proliferated during the Industrial Revolution. Places like "Hell's Kitchen" were a reality in many 19th-century cities. It wasn't all peaches and cream. Obviously, the modernists didn't realize that the same thing would happen to many of their "urban renewal" projects too.

[@tzadikinnistarim3610]

I agree, old architecture like art deco and gothic buildings was the pure gold of urban cities, now the way the buildings are getting are making me want to isolate myself in a rural small house thanks to the modern trash the cities are getting

[@ehec-s6j]

We are affected by environment, with or without our recognition. And generally when you live in carefully crafted town, your character also alters because of it...

[@mountaindewitt]

In cities like Milan where the traditional Liberty style (1900s to 1930s) and the post-war styles are often seen side by side, the difference is night and day, with buildings in the former style being soooo much nicer in almost every way.

[@Earth098]

I was waiting for this video, and it's totally worth the wait. By the way, I wonder what you think about the New Urbanism. That movement embodies most of the concepts you advocate as well.

[@Sound557]

I live in the Southwestern US, I’d kill to see new buildings in a Spanish architectural style.

[@nunoffgalvao]

This is really frustrating. It's actually very easy to agree with the premise: saying that most contemporary architecture is boring and doesn't generate good public space. There is even a TED talk by the renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick saying exactly that.The silly thing is the solution promoted in this video: - that we should just imitate older architecture. This is silly on many levels and if applied extensively would just serve the purpose of devaluing the styles that supposedly tries to dignify. There is even quite a lot of experience on doing that. Unfortunately probably its proponents did´t travel enough to China to see the results of this copycat philosophy. In my opinion the idea of just mimicking older architecture is the result of a low culture in the architecture discipline. Serious and honest architecture comes with a deep understanding of many factors: social, economical, on contructition, etc... and to build a building that copies an old style should require to also mimic it´s underlying means of production. Doing a building that looks to be old but is built with contemporary construction is just borrowing the prestige rightfully acquired by those styles and using it the same way that Disneyland creates its cardboard parks. The call for architects to do more complex and contextualized architecture is very urgent and critical for our cities, but it should not be wasted with populist or ignorant solutions that call for a literal return to a "glorious past". The way needs to be forward and hopefully the contemporary architecture talents will be able to push us in that direction instead of backwards.

[@newtonia-uo4889]

copying other culture's design is not what is being professed here, if china wants to undertake a traditionalist approach to urban design, they would take lessons on the perennial aspects of traditional cities across the world and clothed it with the unique expressions of their distinct and particular culture.

[@hamzapetridis206]

I’ve asked myself this question for ages! Great to see an answer!! Going back to traditional is such a no brainer that I don’t understand why it isn’t done more often.

[@MarcoBonechi]

What happened is that building regulations need to change, now it's really difficult to build with taste because nobody knows how to do it.

[@hamzapetridis206]

@@MarcoBonechi What a shame

[@cathjj840]

Dont forget the usual suspects: the huge amounts of money churned by construction and roadworks and the almost inevitable corruption that goes with it.

[@prettycak3s]

I’m happy to see someone addressing this. People around me kinda make fun of me for liking “old fashioned” architecture and act like ugly steel towers of modern architecture are more efficient which is simply put wrong . Gonna send em this video maybe it’ll clear up some stuff