We often approach problems from a Utopian perspective. We compare our reality to our interpretation of a perfect setting. We design a solution to change our environment to the perfect picture.
Our default setting is to rebuild. We create brand new, from the ground up, Utopian architecture. We design solutions for a reality that does not exist. This is expensive and disappointing.
The alternative is to take stock. What have we got to take us closer to where we are going? Like the ancient cities, we build on the remnants. We embrace our reality and use the sturdy foundations to shape the future.
Such a future is not Utopian. It is an improved version of reality.
It’s realistic. It’s effective. It’s unique.
It’s also why the city of Lyon is a UNESCO world heritage site.