Photography dialectic in architecture

Abstract

This paper discuss that the photo –especially in the age of social media might be a threat for three grave threats to the architecture of Damascus city, which is:

1. Commodification of architecture: By the seek of turning normal buildings into iconic one through virtual presentation and images –case study: Marota city
2. Photographic apartheid: By presenting buildings in specific nice angles at the expenses of other angles and details – Case study: some existed buildings in Damascus in modern era
3. Collectivization of opinions: About how we see buildings and how important and valuable we see they are by presenting some buildings as image of city at the expense of others – case study: some modern buildings in Damascus in comparison with historical ones.

This paper based in its theoretical discussion on the writings of Walter Benjamin and the book critical history of photography edited by Richard Bolton. In addition, It is based on statistical studies to survey opinions of both experts and non-experts in art and architecture, social media users and non-users regarding threats earlier discussed.

This paper intended to take examples of historical, modern and future examples of the architecture of Damascus and the effect of photography and image on the comprehensive of our built environment.