The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast
Episode 79: Beautiful, Profound, and Moving
Jan 22, 2025
Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Art Society and former chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, dives into the world of classical architecture. He passionately advocates for its humanistic values and critiques modern art, particularly brutalism and deconstructivism. The conversation touches on the tragic demolition of Penn Station and the desire to see classic designs revived in today's landscape. Shubow also discusses the potential for a renaissance in architecture under a new administration, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
40:14
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Quick takeaways
- Classical architecture embodies democratic ideals, reflecting historical values and promoting civic virtue through beauty and humanistic principles.
- The contrast between classical and modern architecture highlights a societal shift away from warmth and humanity towards minimalism and functionalism.
Deep dives
The Influence of Classical Architecture on Democracy
Classical architecture plays a pivotal role in defining and celebrating democratic ideals in America. It is rooted in the traditions established by the founding fathers, who consciously chose classical styles for government buildings to evoke the democratic principles of ancient Greece and Rome. Monuments and public structures such as the U.S. Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial exemplify this connection, reflecting beauty and civic virtue. The ongoing mission of promoting classical and humanistic traditions aims to reestablish these foundational aesthetics in contemporary public art and architecture.
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