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Architecture and sculpture as witnesses of time
Buildings and monuments as bridges between past and present
Cities are living museums. Through their architecture and monuments, we can read stories from the past. A building is not only a place to live or work, it is a reflection of the values, dreams, and power of the people who built it.
From government buildings to public sculptures, each structure speaks about its time. Some celebrate freedom or innovation ; others show the influence of politics, religion, or art movements. These landmarks become part of our collective memory. They shape how we understand history and identity today.
However, as society changes, our views on the past change too. Some monuments are now questioned, especially those that honour controversial figures or moments in history. In this context, how should we preserve or reconsider these monuments ?
Today’s architects, urban planners, and artists have a key role in this discussion. They help protect important buildings, adapt spaces for modern use, or even rethink symbols through art. In doing so, they connect the past and the present, and guide how future generations will experience the city.
From Frank Lloyd Wright to the Lincoln Memorial : evolving meanings
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), a major figure in American architecture, designed buildings that broke away from European traditions. His style was modern, organic, and deeply connected to nature and space. Wright and the Chicago School transformed the American skyline, proving that architecture could be modernist and American. His buildings are still admired today, not just for their design, but for what they say about a turning point in the U.S. cultural identity.
Other famous monuments also carry deep meaning. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, became a powerful symbol of freedom and immigration. The Lincoln Memorial honours the president who ended slavery, and Mount Rushmore celebrates national unity through four presidential heads (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln) carved into a mountain.
Yet these monuments are not neutral. Mount Rushmore, for instance, was built on sacred Lakota land, South Dakota, raising questions about whose history is being represented. In recent years, debates have emerged about statues of colonial or Confederate figures. Some have been taken down, others have been reinterpreted through plaques or art installations.
These discussions show that architecture and monuments are not just passive reminders, they are active parts of today’s society. They can inspire pride or protest, memory or debate.
To preserve heritage responsibly, we must balance respect for the past with awareness of the present. Artists, architects, and citizens all play a role in shaping cities that reflect both history and today’s values.
