A Travel Through Time, Stupidity and Power

This panoramic photo, taken with an iPhone, shows the four corners of a square in my hometown. As such, the photo has no particular merit or quality that justifies its public release. However, it is historically and culturally significant, as it shows how architecture marks the passing of time and the persistence of stupidity.

The oldest buildings (the second and the fourth) are similar in appearance. Dating from the early 20th century, they give an idea of the town’s original character. One is still privately owned and the other houses the local chamber of commerce.

Then came the second wave: the building on the far left in the style of the 1970s replaced the original façade. This was the first step in changing the identity of this crossroads (and indeed the whole town).

The third building from the left is the final phase of this identity distortion: a glass-and-steel box built with modern cities in mind. It is not the worst piece of architecture conceivable, but it is clearly out of context.

And here’s the catch: the inability to preserve this place’s original architecture led to its complete loss of identity. However, this crossroads acquired symbolic value for the very same reason: a testament to the ignorance of those in power locally.

Unless they booked the wrong Ryanair flight thinking it was headed to Rome, I don’t think anyone would be interested in spending time here. But just in case, it’s worth visiting this open-air exhibition of the power of stupidity.

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