The Aspen Art Museum's new building demonstrates contested place identity

What is it about?

Those who lead and manage municipal governments can use planning documents as powerful tools to develop buildings and sites in ways that can shape our sense of identity in place. The case study explored here shows that even where compliance is complete planning decisions may be highly controversial because the proposed design flies in the face of the identity of the place.

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Photo by Lisa Ung on Unsplash

Photo by Lisa Ung on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Cities use architecture to signal what kind of place it is. When the idea of that place identity is contested and complicated, buildings can become controversial.