Architecture in Traditional Culture: Building Construction, its Decoration and Habitation, Aging and Modernization, Preservation and Destruction

Abstract

An attempt is made to correlate the existence of a work of architecture with the life cycles associated with the
customs and rituals inherent in traditional culture. The world has changed, but much of it remains from the past and retains its
effectiveness by inertia to this day. The new structure is "born" as inferior at first and alien to its surroundings. It needs to be
formalized, decorated and inhabited. Gradually it "takes root", "gains strength", "blooms". Some architectural sites over the years
become iconic, particularly valuable, glorifying their city and country. They are imitated as models – "ancestors". "Aging" of such
buildings is inhibited by the concerns of admirers. Sacralization removes the power of time. Another option for prolonging the
life of a building is its modernization, "rejuvenation". An appeal to archaic views helps to distinguish the meaning of superficial
renovation, "dressing up" of a building and its radical reconstruction that can be called "rebirth". And what has outlived its time
should "die" – collapse and disappear from the face of the earth. Tradition also demanded destroying buildings where "unclean
powers" and misfortunes occurred. The purposeful destruction by conquerors of key structures of the conquered peoples was also
carried out. Consideration of the topic is intended to help differentiate the diverse architectural components of the historical
urban environment, which is necessary for its modern transformation.