Architecture without criticism. Lessons from Authoritarian Design

There is a Marriott hotel on the shore in Batumi, and every time I come there, I look at it in fascination. I can't shake the feeling that I'm witnessing the result of classic authoritarian product development.

Whether from the sea or from the city, the building looks like a huge penis.

Before us is an architectural solution about which not a single person – neither in the planning process nor in the implementation process – could (or did not dare) raise the question of what is being achieved bullshit.

From the point of view of the development process, this is a classic case where the main person (“product”, “architect”, “entrepreneur”) comes up with a great idea. It could be something like: “Listen, let’s build a building that will be immediately visible from both the sea and the city, we will be remembered for centuries, people will want to live there, and we will change the world for the better!” Everything seems to be logical: brand recognition, scale, symbolism. Inspiration from architectural masterpieces of world history – and everything like that.

Everything is developing as usual – we assembled a team of architects, engineers, designers, and assigned tasks to everyone. But then the fun begins. Each of the participants in the process at some stage sees that something is going wrong. The glass façade with smooth lines begins to too clearly resemble a phallic symbol. The project takes a completely unexpected turn – literally and visually.

But what happens at this moment? Someone might want to say: “It seems that this is no longer just a hotel, but something completely different…” – and then his thought breaks off. Why? Because he looks at a leader who is convinced of his brilliant idea. And he understands: either remain silent and do your job, or start a difficult conversation that most likely will not bring results. It is clear to everyone, as happens in tightly controlled processes: it is better not to stick your neck out.

Then everything goes by inertia. Everyone understands that the building is no longer just “unusual”, but is turning into monumental urban genitals, but it’s too late. All efforts are devoted to completing the project. Nobody wants to admit the obvious. Even when a three-dimensional model or the first drawings appear, no one is bothered by this strange feeling that something has gone wrong. At all stages, everyone pretends that this is “innovative architecture”. Complex shapes, glass, concrete – everything sounds beautiful on paper.

But no one blames the leader, because he did what he considered necessary. It’s just that, as often happens, from the initial idea to the final result, too many were afraid to tell the truth. Nobody stopped the madness. And here it is before us – a harmonious, grandiose example of how a project can be brought to the point of absurdity if the obvious is not discussed.

As a result, what we see is not just a building, but a grandiose monument to silence: when no one challenges, criticizes or asks uncomfortable questions.

PS Well, or the owner of the building still wanted to build a huge horseradish, and then it’s at least fun.

PPS My name is Evgeniy Potapov, I have been an engineer for the last 20 years, founder of the ITSumma company and lead personal telegram channel. There I write notes about technology, high workloads, management and time management. I will be glad if you add me.