Hidden Monuments.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Hidden Monuments

mon·u·ment (noun) a : a lasting evidence, reminder, or example of someone or something notable or great b : a memorial stone or a building erected in remembrance of a person or event. (Merriam-Webster)

When we are made to think of architectural monuments, what immediately comes to mind? Is it the Guggenheim, home to fine art and high civilization? Maybe we think of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of the French state and a reminder of patriotism to all nations. Or perhaps our minds are drawn to the "last American Architect", Frank Lloyd Wright, and his work with the residential United States embodied in Falling Water. All of these are, truly, lasting evidence of human spirit and effort. But does an achievement have to own a spot of limelight in order to be just that, a true accomplishment? What about the architecture that we as a culture take for granted, or literally wish to forget? Sometimes the most significant tasks are completed by those that are far from the public eye. Sometimes the least glamorous jobs build the foundation of society. When we are made to think of architectural monuments, do we ever think of prisons?