29 October 2023

Eternity.

In my view the man who wrote most wisely about what good architecture means to culture was Sir Christopher Wren.  Few people know that Wren wrote anything about architecture; but this is what he said, in his Parentalia:
Architecture has its political use.  Public buildings being the ornament of a country, establishes a nation, draws people and commerce; makes people love their native country, which passion is the original of all great actions in a Commonwealth.

The emulation of the cities of Greece was the true cause of their greatness.  The obstinate valour of the Jews, occasioned by the love of their Temple, was a cement that held together that people for many ages and through infinite changes.

Architecture aims at eternity; and therefore the only thing incapable of modes and fashions in its principles is the Orders.

Quinlan Terry continues ...

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