The Arrogance of Architecture and Expensive Suits

Have you ever noticed that when someone wants to exert their authority over you, the first thing they do is dress up in a suit and tie, act professional, or build very large big buildings with exotic architecture to show their great strength and bigness. It's all a bunch of baloney really - a man, a leader, or even a politician is only as good as their strength of character and earned ego (not nonsensical projected ego) underneath the hat and suit and inside those blue suede shoes. Okay so let's talk about this for second shall we?

The Egyptians built great big pyramids, the Greeks and Romans built incredible architecture, the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans built very large buildings in their civilization as well. The Catholic Church came to power with elaborate, and ominous churches, and let's not forget the czars in Russia, or the Chinese with their great wall, and huge dynasty compounds. In fact, you can go to any nation or human culture anywhere on this planet, and look at the old architecture - they were signs of authority, strength, and power over the people.

Then, we've all heard the quote; "the Emperor has no clothes," and although that is just a story, in reality we all know that Humpty Dumpty was pushed, and all the king's horses and men couldn't put him back together again, nor did they want to - this should be a lesson to us of the value of an individual, or the strength of the leader within that person, it does not come from an external image that they have projected whether it be through the arrogance of architecture or the expensive suits they wear, the limos they drive in, the teleprompter they read (whoops did I just give away my politics there, strike that one) or the red carpet they walk in on to get their Academy Awards (whoops I keep doing it, but I digress).

It is amazing however how easily our population is fooled by nonsensical image building and branding tricks. An individual should be judged by who they are, what they are about, and their integrity, commitment, will, perseverance, and dedication to the cause - whatever that cause may be. Demanding that we put them on pedestals, or are forced to look at giant billboards with their picture everywhere we go around the civilization or society is complete and utter bunk and BS. Just because someone has built a big building in their name, doesn't mean they are of greatness.

After all, they aren't the ones who built, it was built by human labor, and what they probably consider to be the little people. How arrogant indeed. Now then, I'd like you to please consider all this and think on it, because I present it to you as only a political philosophical thought, and not aimed at any of our current leadership, however if the shoe fits they are already wearing it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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A Walk in the Time With Miami's Architecture

Miami architecture has been at the forefront of Chic and Nouveau since its inception dating back to Carl Fisher and his dreams of what Miami would be. Its newness and bold look has been evident through the eras, never the same, always changing and ever adapting to its surroundings. Its visual difference is unlike any other city and noticeable from building to building and its skyline forms a kaleidoscope of innovative style which is candy to our eyes creating an ambiance of function and pleasure for those who live there and for the tourist Mecca it has become.

In its palm fringed avenues with scantily dressed residents Miami has become the dream commission of world known designers particularly in the downtown and beach areas. The buildings are lively with airy and spacious connections becoming world renown and are constantly reinventing themselves while holding on to its cultural influence.

Carl Fisher got the credit for Miami Beaches' adaptation of Mediterranean architecture and soon after architects influenced by the Art Deco movement of Europe moved to the Magic city to apply their designs to the tropical feel and look of the city. The buildings became streamlined with a nautical flair that accompanied the sea, sun and surf. The hum drum of the past was out and the new and bold became its signature. The materials of the past were put aside for a newer and lighter look with the use of Stucco, Terrazzo and glass to name a few.

From the Mangrove swamps and Palm, Pine, and live Oak forests Miami was transformed into a visual paradise dreamed up from the minds of innovative and forward thinking designers willing to let go of the norm. Miami's architecture was not only functional but became visually sensual to enjoy at every turn which brought tourists in by the millions creating its well known pedestrian atmosphere.

Recently Miami's architecture with its resident icons, the Fontainebleau Hotel and the Eden Roc were renamed - MiMo - for Miami Modern. But in this modern age of travel and easy access too many destinations, and the economical collapse of the 70's and 80's Miami lost its luster and some of its influence. In the late 70's Miami's Art Deco district of the past was put on the National Historic Registry and the area was restored to prominence making it Chic and shifting thought back to the Magic City, once again bringing back people and value to the once forlorn area which had fallen into decay.

Thanks in part to a new visually vibrant television show called "Miami Vice" that featured Miami as its backdrop, the city was revitalized and it brought back relevance and international attention, and the people came running to Miami once again.

Pastel colored buildings and mirrored towers became what people thought of when they thought of Miami. It was edgy and experimental and a pleasure for everyone to gazed upon it.

But the Magic Cities architecture wasn't done, and through the 80's and 90's it was evolving once again and a big push to designate more areas as Historical was made and eventually named 11 more as such.

Miami is a city which has always put civic pride first, thus designers have incorporated the indoors with the outdoors. Many world famous architectural firms such as Herzog and de Meuron to name one have helped change the landscape and look of the Magic City. For years the city committed itself to reclaiming public spaces like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which became an outdoor living area for people to enjoy shopping while connecting with Mother Nature.

Downtown Miami's effervescent skyline meshed residential buildings with its multifaceted cultural makeup making it a place to enjoy with all your senses and a true one of a kind destination.

The Miami art Museum is a great example of innovative design and is scheduled to open in 2013. It has incorporated large balconies with spacious outdoor spaces and multiple levels adding once again to the wonders of the city's innovative designers making it unique in a world of copycat designers.

The economic crisis which has gripped the world today has made waterfront properties which were once out of reach viable for purchase and developing, and Miami has become a prime location for developers again.

A Malaysian firm recently purchased the land surrounding the Miami Herald building and is planning on creating a 3 billion dollar complex which will once again change the face of the Magic City in a new, innovative, and eye catching way incorporating residential, shopping, and public areas on the waterfront with spectacular views of the city and ocean beyond.

A new and exciting group of designers are now building in Miami for the first time, and they're not trying to recreate the Art Deco designs or the MiMo features of years past, but are adding to the skyline with a Latin American flavor and tropical feel. It won't be the glitzy forms of yesteryear but a subtle balance which will be uniquely Miami, taking into consideration its cultural mix and paying much more attention to detail instead of flash and adapting its designs more to the city's tropical surroundings and feel.

Miami is refreshingly sophisticated and unique but does not take itself too seriously which will create a skyline that will be a joy to look at and its spaces a wonder to live in, work in and relax in. The future of Miami's architectural designs is in good hands. The tropical lushness which is Miami and the beautiful buildings will be a wonder for all to enjoy.

I am Rafael Montilla, a SEO Manager Mercadeoporinternet.com and I also write articles for my clients, about Modern Furniture, travel, Architects and Internet Marketing. I love what I do for a living!! I hope you too!

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