On a trip to Italy a few years ago I was amazed at the permanence of some of their
structures. I didn’t realize some of the same city walls that Peter and Paul walked through are
still there – 2,000 years later! Did you know the reason the famous Colosseum looks like a
ruin is not because it’s falling down? It’s because over the centuries people scavenged the
marble skin and other elements for use in other buildings like St. Peter’s. I guess there is
some justice for some of the Christians who were served up to lions there.
I’m an architect when I’m not leading tour groups. I often hear, “they don’t build them like
they used to.” That’s true, and for a few buildings (from the ‘50s to the ‘70s) that I renovated, I
have to say that’s a good thing.
There are several reasons “they don’t build them like they used to.” One is thankfully there is
no longer slave labor. The other is the rapid pace of change in the era of unimaginable
technological advancement. There is no doubt history will reflect this time as a renaissance.
The building emphasis today is on adaptability, flexibility, expandability and change – all
antonyms of permanence.
They don’t build them like they used to; but I think they build them like they need to in a time
of rapid change and technological advancement.
By the way we are going back to Italy this fall. It’s one of the most amazing places on earth.
We might still have room for you so give us a call.