4 . Relations between Architecture and Culture

A country is not only identified by its people and government, but also by its architecture.     1     For example, when one thinks of India, we think of the Tahj Mahal. The Egyptians are another amazing example. Their environment and culture produced the great pyramids. How do modern cultures produce and maintain such beautiful architecture?

Slovenians gained independence in 1991. The country is now economically the most progressive one. It is now helping to modernize the factories and by doing so has actually helped lower poverty rates. Generally, their world around them is modernizing.     2     Everyday life focuses in the squares, churches and the marketplace. These Slovenian towns have many well-preserved buildings with styles of architecture dating back from the 1100’s. Many churches such as Sticna Abbey and Podsreda Castle are magnificent examples of the Roman architecture.

    3     For centuries, homes have been made out of mud houses built along the main dirt road. The roof could be used for an oven, to hold chickens, or just as storage. Cairo, one of the larger cities, the older parts of it are still the heart of Egypt although built with Islamic and Coptic monuments.

Chinese architecture probably has the most cultural influence. Traditionally buildings were designed for its width, not its height. Every important building is guarded around a large wall to protect their assets. While ordinary dwellings are grey and dull, palaces and places of importance are quite colorful.     4     Each Chinese home has their entrance at the front and facing the east with a screen because it is believed that spirits travel straight and cannot go through screen.

Every culture can inspire a type of architecture that can range from landmarks to everyday homes. Religion and family seem to be the most common influences overall.     5    

7 . I would like to offer a concept of cities that goes against modern ones.     1     Such cities should be designed within the distance of a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

What do we need to create 15-minute cities? First, we should start asking questions that we have forgotten. We need to look hard at how to use our square meters. For instance, what is that space for? Who is using it and how? We should understand what resources we have and how they are used. Then we need to ask what services are available in the vicinity(周围地区). We also have to ask ourselves: How do we work?     2    

How do we get this done?     3     Mayor(市长)Anne Hidalgo has suggested a big bang of proximity(靠近), which includes, for example, a massive decentralization, developing new services for each of the districts --- a reduction of traffic by increasing bike lanes into spaces of leisure; new economic models to encourage local shops; building more green spaces; transforming existing infrastructure. That’s actually a golden rule for the 15-minute city: every square meter that’s already built should be used for different things.

    4     First, the rhythm of the city should follow humans, not cars. Second, each square meter should serve different purposes. Finally, neighborhoods should be designed so that we can live, work and thrive in them without having to constantly commute elsewhere.

It’s funny if you think of it: many modern cities are designed for saving time, and yet so much time is lost to commuting, sitting in traffic jams, driving to a mall.     5    

8 . Travel allows us to experience the world. But as we travel, we are also leaving our footprint on every place we visit. This is why culturally immersive (沉浸) travel is so important. Because the wrong kind of travel negatively affects the world. One of the reasons we started this blog was to help others travel better and feel comfortable getting off the beaten path, interacting with locals, and take you “Beyond the traditional Bucketlist”, if you will.

People who only get 2-weeks off per year are often just looking for an easy destination with a beach to relax on. This isn’t travel. This is a vacation. But “Immersive Travel” or “Cultural Travel” is an entirely new type of trip. It is about experiencing and preserving the various traditions around the world. It’s about being open to new experiences and willing to step into another’s shoes. Cultural travel is jumping in with both feet and leaving your idea about what your trip should be behind you. It’s eating local dishes and sleeping in guesthouses. It’s building genuine connections with locals. It’s learning about the history of a country and leaving your trip with a greater understanding of the place you came to see and the people who live there.

Often times in today’s age, “travelers” will visit a country just to snap some photos of the famous sights to post on Instagram or to drink the night away, or even just to relax on a tropical beach. But that kind of vacation can be harmful to the very communities you’re traveling to.

Beyond supporting the local communities and the preservation of local customs and traditions, you’ll also experience some personal benefits through cultural travels. There’s simply no way to travel this way with a closed mind. You’ll get to know different cultures intimately and understand them a lot better. You’ll also become less judgmental of others the more you travel.