Rebellions and Uprisings; or the Populism of Aesthetics in Architecture Let's Talk About Cities

In this thought-provoking episode of "Let's Talk About Cities," we delve into the complex relationship between architecture, aesthetics, and populism. We examine how populist movements exploit traditional notions of beauty to craft exclusionary narratives, using the reconstruction of the Berlin Palace and the renovation of the Neues Museum as contrasting case studies. We discuss the historical use of architecture as propaganda and the dangers of establishing a rigid aesthetic ideology as the arbiter of good design. Through these discussions, we aim to uncover the deeper meanings behind architectural choices and their impacts on our urban landscapes.