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Buildings shape our perspective and identity – this was the topic of a lecture given by a senior research fellow in philosophy from the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Buckingham to university students at the MCC in Pécs. Mikolaj Swalkowski Rode spoke about the relationship between politics and architecture.
During The Pressing Questions of the World course, a philosophy researcher from the University of Oxford emphasized the importance of architecture in reflecting shared identity and cultural heritage. He stressed that buildings should not only serve functional purposes but also forge deeper connections with the people who inhabit them.
As an example, he pointed to Budapest’s neo-Gothic Parliament, describing it as a symbol not only of Hungary’s national identity but also of Europe’s broader cultural heritage. Reflecting on history, he noted the destruction of many historical buildings during World War II and the subsequent rise of communist-era architecture. "However, people today are no longer drawn to brutalism," he remarked. "They do not want to live among soulless, faceless buildings."
The lecture was part of an ongoing series where first-year students have the opportunity to engage with international researchers and educators, broadening their perspectives on global issues.
