Fantastic Architectures and the Spiritual Significance of Perspective

“Architecture” refers first of all to the art of building, secondly to some structure raised in accord with the rules of that art. Figuratively it refers to anything raised on firm foundations and is well constructed. “Fantasy” on the other hand suggests the imagination, which ruled by desire and fear, pleasure and disgust, gives birth to fanciful apparitions, fictions, and dream-visions, all creations that do not rest on solid ground. To join architecture and fantasy seems thus a bit like trying to square the circle, where we should keep in mind that for centuries squaring the circle figured the attempt to comprehend the infinite essence of God. Similarly, fantastic, utopian architectures have long figured a state of happiness where reason and desire, order and freedom, spirit and body would all receive their due.