Beauty in Architecture: Not a Luxury - Only a Necessity

摘要

Beauty, like consciousness, is difficult to define. But, like consciousness, it has two characteristics that most, if not all, are agreed on - that all humans are capable of experiencing it and that it is a highly subjective experience. The latter is especially interesting and even has a proverb, traced to Roman days, that seemingly gives it substance: 'De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum' (in matters of taste and colour there can be no dispute). It is a useful little proverb that on the one hand serves to stifle all discussion about matters of taste, and on the other acts as a protective shield to all those who, knowingly or unknowingly, sacrifice beauty for other ends. It is also one that does not withstand critical scrutiny.