Architectural Symbolism: A Bad Idea?

San Francisco was intentionally built on an earthquake fault. The symbolism of the place more important than the danger.

1 minute read

September 27, 2001, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Now that the towers are gone, failing to rebuild them would "give the terrorists what they wanted." And if we want to use the reconstruction of San Francisco as a history lesson in the virtues of reclaiming damaged land, it seems like the right decision. Even though we San Franciscans know we are crazy, living astride a fault line as deep and volatile as the San Andreas, San Francisco wouldn't be San Francisco if it were not precisely here, perched on a 50-square-mile swath of roller-coaster terrain between blustering bay and ocean."

Thanks to Design Architecture

FULL STORY: Architectural Symbolism Begs Examination

Tuesday, September 25, 2001 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Architecture California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.