Table of contentsIntroductionLiterature reviewContext analysisThe urban artifactThe monumentMemoryConclusionIntroductionThe construction of the city is influenced by historical architecture and the collective memory of people, who help shape both the layout of the city and strengthen the identity of the place. This essay discusses the historical significance of Reading Abbey and examines its significance in the past and present in shaping the town of Reading. It will then analyze the building in more detail through the scientific tools created by Aldo Rossi in The Architecture of the City, focusing specifically on its analysis in relation to three key aspects of Rossi's ideology, including the urban artifact , the monument and collective memory. We will then conclude whether Reading Abbey aligns with Rossi's views on the importance of urban objects in the formation and maintenance of an urban landscape, as well as the relevance of Rossi's ideas today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayLiterature reviewAldo Rossi's approach to urban design, discussed in his book The Architecture of the City, unites architecture and the city as a collective where the buildings therein continually evolve "the city is thus understood as a homogeneous continuum". Rossi, who was an influential architect and theorist, wrote The Architecture of the City in 1966. The book is divided into four sections: The Structure of Urban Artifacts, Primary Elements and the Concept of Zone, The Individuality of Urban Artifacts and evolution. urban artifacts. Rossi begins by discussing the development and growth of the city as being subject to certain rules that allow its construction. He describes the city as being understood as architecture as construction. For Rossi, architecture means the construction of the city over time, the process of construction uniting both the past and the present. How Rossi thought the city should be understood is evident in the title; the city is made of architecture. Throughout this work, Rossi describes his tools for scientific analysis of a place. He believes that to understand a place, one must understand its urban artifacts and, from there, be able to determine its primary elements, monuments and the influence of memory. Rossi depicts the city as being based on primary elements, namely monuments, buildings and key public spaces which, when combined, form the overall fabric of the city. Primary elements are an integral part of the “dynamics of the city,” and architecture critic Rafael Moneo further relies on primary elements because once installed, they can influence the collective memory of a place. First, Rossi uses the term urban artifact throughout this novel, which is not an object but an act. For him, cities are full of acts of people from the past, especially acts of construction, which influence the surrounding city and persist through time. These acts affect the surrounding cityscape and the way people perceive it, creating memories. This reinforces his view of buildings with character and history that need to be protected and preserved. At the time, Rossi's views on the city were revolutionary and opposed architects like Le Corbusier, who saw history as an obstacle, as evidenced by his plan to remove Marseille's historic buildings and replace them with towers. We can say that throughout history,The functions and form of urban buildings have evolved: elements have been added, destroyed and rebuilt, but their identity endures. The building was reconstructed because of its iconic status as an urban object and its importance in people's memories. Furthermore, Rossi identified that the city is structured around the artifact and, therefore, is of great importance in the formation of the urban landscape that surrounds it. Urban objects, Rossi focuses on monuments. For Rossi, monuments constitute the foundation of the city and their remains ensure the continuity of historical ideas in the urban landscape. For example, Rossi talks about the Amphitheater of Nîmes which, following a series of historical events, evolved into a fortress. The versatility of these essential buildings that withstand the passage of time remains throughout history to help maintain the shape of the city. However, in addition to supporting the development of the city, monuments also evolve and their change of function helps to accelerate "the process of urbanization of a city". However, despite changes to a monument, its importance to a place remains constant. The historian Diane Ghirardo in her book Aldo Rossi and the Spirit of Architecture discusses the role of the monument in the construction of the city. She raises the question of a city's identity and concludes that monuments help maintain the identity of a place and are fostered by collective memory, thus aligning with Rossi's vision of the city. Furthermore, collective memory is mentioned throughout Rossi's book as fundamental in the formation of the city. The city is a unified memory of its inhabitants, who, over time, shape urban form and create a distinctive sense of place. Moneo expands on Rossi's ideology by stating that the city is a collective entity, a place steeped in history that relies on the memory of historical monuments for its continuation. The influence and relevance of Aldo Rossi's theories detailed in this book have long been debated, particularly by critics. Rafael Moneo whose modern perspective examines and critiques Rossi's influence in European architecture. Nevertheless, architectural firms such as Grafton Architects have considered Rossi's renewed interest in the history and construction of the city over time to have been influential in shaping their practice. Rossi's approach to the city is still relevant today, as more influential historic buildings are rediscovered by a new generation and continue to help shape the modern cityscape. ContextReading Abbey was founded in 1121 by Henry I and, since its construction, has remained an integral part of the town. The abbey is located on both the River Kennett and the River Thames and subsequently became a stopping place for travelers to and from London, ensuring its important role throughout the Middle Ages. The 12th century saw major changes in architectural styles and techniques, such as the rise of Gothic design. Reading Abbey was not isolated from these advances, as evidenced by the construction of Lady Chapel in 1314, which had a completely new style compared to the rest of the abbey. Benedictine monks resided in the monastery for over four hundred years and thousands of pilgrims traveled to Reading specifically for the abbey, reinforcing the international importance of this monument. Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries the abbey became the center of Reading's religious community and eventually became one of the largest and wealthiest abbeys in the country. However, it was subject to the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in1536, where the lands and wealth of the monasteries, including Reading Abbey, were seized by the crown. From this pivotal moment in history, the building's vocation evolved to become royal accommodation. However, the siege of Reading began the dismantling of the abbey in 1643, where its stone was used to build defenses and fortifications. After the English Civil War, the building changed ownership several times and as a result, areas that were once covered by this historic building were demolished and redeveloped to serve an entirely new purpose, as evidenced by Reading Prison which was built in 1786 on the grounds of the abbey. . Today, much of the town of Reading is occupied by the fragments of a former great Benedictine monastery and is a reminder of medieval life, highlighting the importance of the abbey's role in determining Reading's place in the he medieval architectural history.AnalysisThis essay will apply Rossi's theory of the city and the importance of historic urban artefacts in shaping the history and planning of the city to Reading Abbey. The analysis aims to prove that Reading Abbey is still as relevant today as it was when it was first built and that, through its protection, it will continue to have a positive impact on the identity of the town of Reading. In order, three of Rossi's urban theories will be discussed: the abbey as an urban artifact, the abbey as a monument, and the collective memory of the abbey. The Urban Artifact The first element explored regarding Aldo Rossi's urban theory is Reading Abbey as an urban artifact. . Rossi describes an urban artifact as a central building that plays a key role in the city's history, a building so important that its iconic character is worth more than its material manifestation or form. As well as the physical remains of the abbey ruins, Ron Baxter explains that the memory of the abbey remains in "street names like Abbey Street, Abbey Square and Forbury Road". This highlights the importance of the building in the planning of the town of Reading, which resonates with Rossi's belief that essential buildings shape urban form. Eventually the town took its shape around the abbey. In addition to Ron Baxter's interpretation, historian Daphne Phillips describes the gifts of Henry I, who founded the abbey, ensured that the abbots of Reading became lords and, therefore, took control of the affairs of the city. This existing layout can still be seen today on streets such as Broad Street, London Street and Forbury Gardens. Furthermore, in the 12th century the market square, which closely adjoined the town, was established by the monks and weekly markets were held there for many years, contributing to Reading's historic identity as a town. Additionally, Rossi discusses the evolution of an urban artifact's function and form that reveals the persistence of the city and echoes signs of the past. Following the dissolution of the abbey, its form evolved. Between 1550 and 1553 the pillars were removed and the timber from the roof was removed and reused in St Mary's Church, which had also suffered the effects of the Dissolution. The dismantling of the abbey adds to the history of the building and changes the collective memory of Reading from a vital religious center to ruins. Nonetheless, the ruins of the abbey are made up of layers of history and the remains demonstrate the role it played in centuries of history, which has led to its survival today. Therefore, its significance and historical significance remains the same, which is consistent with Rossi's theory that, despite its physical manifestation, the building's iconic status as a.