The Symbolism of Architectural Form in a Time of Bigness. Learning from the Venetian Macao

Abstract

The period of instability opened by the 1973 oil crisis contributed to the affirmation of a new spatial paradigm, which culminated in postmodern architecture. The establishment of a new systemic cycle of accumulation under the hegemonic role of China seems to be associated with a novel paradigmatic shift, and the emerging of a new form of the “classical”. This new spatial language, associated with bigness, is questioning both the role of architecture and urban design. This paper investigates this novel paradigm by analysing the spatial structure of Venetian Macao and the symbolism of its architectural form.