Why don't American's spend their infinite resources on great architecture?

Question

I mean, yeah, we have some great buildings, but if we are supposed to be the modern day Rome, hadn't we better get chiseling?

Okay, let's forget about the Rome thing. Let's talk Barcelona. Before the 1992 Olympics, the Spanish government injected massive capital into building projects and required that architects must be chosen by competition and attached to each project. This initiative had a palpable impact and put Barcelona squarely back on the world map. It invigorated a renaissance of not just poetic, vibrant buildings, but also raised the creative consciousness and esteem of the entire city-culture. I think American pragmatism is quaint, and often useful, but hey, when you need a beautiful building, forget Home Depot, hire a professional!

Answer 1

First, because we are capitalists and pragmatists and it is almost always either too difficult or economically not feasible to amass the capital necessary for monumental architecture. Monarchies and dictatorships allow for the concentration of huge amounts of capital in very few (or one) persons' control, making it easier for them to build grand testaments to their majesty and authority (and conversely there is less money to be spread around for other essential government purposes). Our puritan heritage might also have fostered our proclivity toward building structures with purpose rather than less useful but more impressive monuments.

Second, I'm not sure you're entirely correct about America being a land without truly awesome and impressive architecture comparable to any great civilization. We have some of the most beautiful monuments and buildings in the world (the capitol building, the Lincoln Memorial, the Golden Gate bridge).

Good question. I think about the same thing sometimes, but I usually conclude that it's all about compromise and perspective.

Re the Hope Depot idea: we are very different from Europeans in terms of our willingness to use collective intelligence. Americans love our individualism (which has great positive consequences also), and we don't live in a society where we are forced to think in social terms (a la France). For better or worse, and more often than not, we think and act self-interestedly. We generally oppose social structuring tools like strict zoning laws and the use of eminent domain. On the other hand, we are also very proud of what we do accomplish as a national entity, and perhaps you are right that this civic pride could be channeled into more impressive works of architecture. The new World Trade Center (something affecting the national psyche) seems to be (somewhat successfully) following the Barcelona model.

Answer 2

I think its all about capitalism.

Where vegas needs the visual appeal, you see this architecture. Only when needed.

However i think your dream may come true also due to capitalism, and the fact that there are SO MANY millionares now who can afford to hire artists and construct dream homes.

I dont think a elaborate taco bell would lure me in any more than the plain looking one given the cost added to the elaborate ones food.

Answer 3

Many of Rome's projects crippled the economy and led to a Ceasar getting whacked. I don't think the U.S should follow suit.

Answer 4

I wouldn't want us to be "modern day Rome". Remember, the Roman Empire eventually came crashing down...

Answer 5

I wish I knew, but I definitely don't like most modern architecture.

Frank Lloyd Wright was the best though.

Answer 6

I agree. The U.S. spends too much money on big and expensive, and not creative and bold.