An Architectural Response to the Loss of Civic Identity

Since the start of civilization architecture has been used to identify distinct communities and has helped achieve the goals of men. These goals are best achieved within the function of a city. What makes a city unique in expression may otherwise be known as the genius loci or “spirit of the place”. This unified spirit is expressed through the individuals of a place and is what helps communities flourish. This quality is also linked to civic identity, which can be articulated through architecture in terms of character, form, and sustainability

The perception of a city’s inhabitants understanding of place is aided by these three concepts. When a clear hierarchy or understanding is no longer established the city loses a connection to the civic identity. Therefore, architecture has a responsibility to contribute to civic identity through a robust understanding of character, form, and sustainability.