Thinking about Public Buildings

After getting only limited exposure to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg Saturday, I decided to return on my own today for a longer visit.  It is the site of South Africa's most important public building, Constitutional Court where the still-new constitution is interpreted and adjudicated.  It is also the site of the city's original fort and the infamous jails that housed the city's prisoners.  The jails have been turned into a very powerful museum experience and kept me occupied for an hour plus.  But the crown jewel of the site is the  Constitutional Court.  This building ought to be toured by every public official considering a new facility.  I will add photos later, but for now, I urge you to go the web site and take a look. 

It is inspirational and it ennobles the citizens of this nation. It says, "You are important as a citizen of this nation.  This nation and its constitution are important to you.  The ideas enshrined in this constitution mean something important to you and this nation."  Every inch of the building is filled with meaning, expressed through its art and its materials, and the architectural, art and landscape elements combine to translate the constitution into something that has power and meaning to the everyday lives of South Africans.

Visiting Constitution Hill is reason enough to visit Johannesburg.  It also reminds me that all public buildings should be equally inspiring and uplifting, celebrating the special way in which people in democracies come together to make decisions for themselves through their government.

  

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