Architecture and Democracy

Architecture and Democracy by Claude Fayette Bragdon is a deep look at how buildings mirror a society's values, especially those of a democracy. The book says that architecture is more than just practical; it shows what a culture thinks and feels. The author looks at architecture in the United States around World War I and sees it as struggling to break free from old, unequal ideas. He believes good architecture should mix engineering and design, and that a true democracy should lead to buildings that are beautiful and show a higher level of thinking in society. It argues that buildings should be alive with the spirit of the people and their cultural beliefs, reflecting a shared consciousness.