If we observe Nature, and the many facets of its design, we find that the natural order of creation is one of fantastic variety and diversity. Whether it is a plant, animal, or the elements, diversity is the common denominator. In color, texture, and form, all of these contain an infinite variety that is incomprehensible. Should not the works of our hands emulate Nature by creating an architecture that demonstrates this same creativity?
Our best buildings are enriched through diversity and variety of ornament, sculpture, painting, and the art of the metalworker’s craft. In the great buildings of past civilizations, these related arts are incorporated in important and prominent ways to enrich the overall fabric of the building. Sculpture in particular is used to create an interesting play of light and shadow across the façade. These sculptural elements were often purely decorative, sometimes highly symbolic, never boring. It is the architect who is responsible for thoughtfully incorporating these works into the fabric of the building. It is he who is responsible for orchestrating the composition to achieve a complimentary whole. When the architect is a person of talent, these buildings are a reflection of their time and place. When the architect is a person of genius, these buildings transcend their time and place and become cultural icons that are universally admired for generations.
Because diversity and variety is the rule and not the exception, the challenge for each society and culture is to produce architecture that is a true reflection of itself, contributing to the diversity of the world’s built environment. The necessary component to achieve this goal is the development of an architectural vocabulary that is true to its people, their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. When one culture successfully accomplishes this task, it is often the case that other cultures adopt this successful architectural vocabulary without developing one of their own. To avoid this error, each culture must have the confidence and discipline to look squarely at itself to determine what is true and good about itself and what it wishes to say about its past and its hopes for the future through its architecture.