In Search Of Architecture And Its Meaning

"Cities, architecture and society" is the theme of the architecture exhibit at the 2006 Venice Bienniale. Yet, as New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff observes, the pervasiveness of poverty in global cities comes across more strongly in the show than any architectural profiles -- and fails to examine the role of the architect in perpetuating or combating these urban ills. He comments, “What the show provides, in place of inspired architecture, is a window on a dystopian future."