The story of Børsen, a prominent historical landmark in Denmark, illuminates how aesthetics influence our valuation of the world around us. With its striking dragon spire and storied past as a stock exchange, Børsen is cherished not just for its historical significance but also for its visual appeal. This contrasts sharply with more utilitarian buildings from the 1970s, which may not be as fervently protected or admired, despite facing similar risks such as damage from fire.
This disparity highlights a problematic aspect of human nature: our tendency to value things based on their aesthetic appeal. Like the way a butterfly is generally more esteemed than a cockroach, buildings that are visually appealing are often considered more worthy of preservation. This bias can be seen as a flaw in our value system, leading us to overlook the intrinsic worth of less aesthetically pleasing entities.
While the positive impact of aesthetics on our well-being is undeniable—enhancing our environments and uplifting our spirits—we must be wary of relying solely on this criterion. Such an approach can be limiting, akin to the doorman fallacy, where focusing on one particular aspect can cause us to miss other valuable qualities. In architecture, this might mean ignoring buildings that lack architectural beauty but hold cultural or social significance.
From Børsen, we learn a broader lesson about inclusivity and value. It teaches us that all entities, whether living or inanimate, have inherent value that deserves recognition and preservation. This perspective urges us to respect and care for all aspects of our environment, regardless of their aesthetic qualities. It bothers me that people react so strongly to losing a building, but do nothing when losing everything is at stake. We must adopt a more holistic approach to value, ensuring we maintain the integrity and worth of our world within the essential planetary and social boundaries that sustain us. This shift is vital for building a more equitable and sustainable future where the value of all forms of existence is acknowledged and protected.
Phillip Jeffries - Inspiring A More Beautiful World One Wall at a Time - China /APAC Sales Director at Phillip Jeffries Ltd
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