Revisiting Traditional Architecture: "Building Like We Used To - Why We Still Can (& Should)"

"Tradition is the sum of successful innovations." - Mieke Bosse

Dear readers,

I am excited to announce the release of my latest video, which dives into the world of traditional architecture and urbanism. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often dismiss traditional architecture as outdated and incompatible with our modern needs. However, this video challenges this notion and highlights the value and relevance of traditional architecture in addressing current day problems.

Why Traditional Architecture Matters

As Mieke Bosse's quote suggests, traditional architecture is not just a collection of old buildings and design techniques; it represents the culmination of successful innovations that have stood the test of time. The human-centered, environmentally-adaptive, and sustainable nature of traditional architecture offers invaluable lessons for today's urban planners and architects. Unfortunately, this is not a common view. I hope to change this with my video.

The Humanistic Benefits of Traditional Architecture

Our modern, minimalist architecture often fails to cater to our most basic human needs, resulting in bland, uninspiring urban environments. Traditional architecture, on the other hand, has evolved to resonate with our emotional and psychological preferences. By revisiting and incorporating the principles of traditional architecture, we can create spaces that are more in tune with our inherent needs and desires. Reading the comments under some of my last videos, it seems that many people experience this themselves and want to put it into words, but have never gotten the needed vocabulary or conceptual framework to do so. With the video I just put out, I hope to provide them with exactly that: a new paradigm of how to look at cities.

Adapting to Local Climate

Traditional architecture is often better suited to local climates, as it has been developed and refined over generations to respond to specific environmental conditions. As we face the challenges of climate change, adopting the lessons of traditional architecture can help us create more resilient and sustainable urban environments.

Creating Attractive, Human-Centered Spaces

The video also explores the concept of traditional urbanism, which emphasizes the creation of dense, mixed-use, walkable environments that foster a sense of community and place. By incorporating the principles of traditional urbanism, we can create more attractive, livable, and engaging cities that cater to our social nature.

Conclusion: Embracing Tradition and Innovation

It is time for us to reassess our understanding of traditional architecture and urbanism and recognize the value they offer in addressing the challenges of modern society. By embracing the wisdom of the past and combining it with contemporary innovations, we can create places that are not only beautiful and sustainable but also deeply connected to our human nature.

I invite you to watch the video and join the conversation about the importance of traditional architecture in our modern world. Let's explore the rich buffet of traditions and celebrate the successful innovations that have shaped our built environment. It is up to us to shape the future of our cities, and traditional architecture can play a significant role in creating a better world for all.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments below.