Architecture of Happiness

     "[Beautiful] architecture has none

     of the unambiguous advantages of

     a vaccine or a bowl of rice"

          -Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness, 2006

http://www.visitingdc.com/images/st-peters-picture-2.jpg

Achieving [Architecture of Happiness]. Is it possible? I believe St. Peter's Basilica is a perfect example. From the time you arrive, the Colonnade welcomes you to enter as if it were opening it's arms to you. Once inside, despite the height and openness, it gives a feeling of security with massive concrete columns. You feel comfortable surrounded by gold with a breathtaking level of detail. The monumental Michelangelo dome which floods the space with light seems to bring you closer to the sky, helping you to forget about failure and realizing nothing is impossible. 

De Botton talks about how a building, or architecture can help alter the mood you're in. This is very true, I can only imagine the level of astonishment one gains when exploring St. Peter's. [Architecture however, cannot be expected to suddenly make all of the unhappiness you exhibit disappear]. At this point, begin thinking; if architecture can't make you happy all of the time, what can? Anything? A spouse, a car, a tv show? Unhappiness is inevitably going to occur. If you happen to be within beautiful architecture as this moment happens, don't blame the architecture. Having said that, [architecture can create [happiness] only to a certain extent].