Edifice

In Asterix and Cleopatra there is an Egyptian architect called ‘Edifice,’ a perfect name for someone who designs and oversees the construction of massive and monumental buildings (pyramids and temples). The root of the word comes from ‘edify’ – to improve spiritually. Edify is from a Latin word meaning to construct a house and also meaning a temple, house or building.

Many of the buildings I think of in this context in our modern world are court houses, parliament buildings, etc. They aren’t always buildings however, that I find structurally interesting or spiritual.

I once knew a man who told me that he thought female architects would design more organic buildings. When I asked for more of an explanation, he described more flowing and rounded buildings. So male -- angular, female – curvy. I don’t buy that (think of Henry Moore’s sculptures); it seems too stereotypical to me.

However, I like the idea that a building can embody spiritual symbolism. Churches are obvious examples, and I think of churches I visited in Germany and Poland.  High and vaulted ceilings and interior space. I’ve seen similar ones here in Canada, but also found very plain boxy structures that look like glorified meeting halls. Now, I do know of the extravagance in church buildings that resulted in stripping South American indigenous cultures of gold, as well as impoverishing local communities in Europe. The construction of a church could take decades and use of the energy and lives of many people. But at the same time it seems to me that we don’t need to deliberately construct ugly buildings. 

I can think of a number of structures that inspire me. I’ve never visited the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, though I would like to. It is a place of soaring ceilings as well as beautiful vistas with the soothing addition of water. Frank Lloyd Wright’s house “Falling Water” incorporates water, rocks, and trees into a house that looks as if it had grown naturally out of its environment. There are lesser buildings that please the eye. In Victoria, I like Craigdarroch Castle, though its grounds leave much to be desired. In Saskatoon, I quite like the Bessborough Hotel and it has a wonderful setting on the riverbank. The Mendel Art Gallery, too is unique.

When I googled inspirational buildings, I often got famous buildings instead, such as glass skyscrapers and modern towers such as the CN Tower in Toronto. I don’t think that skyscrapers are necessarily bad.  Chicago, for instance, has interesting art deco buildings, some of which are skyscrapers. In Saskatoon, we have a few old and newer pleasing apartment blocks.

I don’t expect that architecture to embody spirituality (in the broadest sense, as to inspire), though what an interesting goal towards which to strive.