The document outlines various architectural and artistic works that reflect communal values and memory, including the US Capitol, Bauhaus design, and monuments like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Burghers of Calais. It highlights the role of murals and public art in representing community narratives and identities, showcasing works by Diego Rivera and Judith Baca. The document also addresses cultural festivals, such as Brazil's Carnival and Mexico's Day of the Dead, emphasizing their significance in promoting unity and collective remembrance.

1. Communal Needs and
Purposes

2. Architecture Reflecting Shared Values

3. The United States Capitol (1793–1800, Washington, D.C.)
Designed in a neoclassical
style, the US Capitol draws
inspiration from ancient
Greek and Roman ideals of
democracy and
governance.
It symbolizes strength,
stability, and the enduring
principles of the American
republic. The western front of the United States Capitol. The Neoclassical
style building is located in Washington, D.C., on top of Capitol Hill at
the east end of the National Mall.

4. The Bauhaus (1925–26, Dessau, Germany)
Designed by Walter Gropius,
it emphasizes functionality
and simplicity over decorative
elements.
Reflects the modernist ethos
of practicality and efficiency,
aligning with societal shifts
toward industrial progress.
By M_H.DE - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10075671

5. Monuments as Public Memory

6. The Burghers of Calais (1889) by Auguste Rodin
This monument humanizes the
sacrifice of six men who offered
themselves to save their city
during the Hundred Years' War.
It brings collective heroism to an
accessible, emotional level,
emphasizing shared human
struggles.
By Romainberth - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8618526

7. Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1982) by Maya Lin
A stark, reflective black
granite wall engraved with
the names of 58,000
soldiers.
Encourages personal
reflection and collective
mourning, grounding
individual loss in a shared
national narrative.
By Kkmd at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17762065

8. Murals as Community Narratives

9. Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals (1932–33)
These depict workers and
machinery in vibrant scenes
of industrial production.
Celebrates the
interdependence of labor
and innovation, connecting
workers' efforts with
community progress.

10. The Great Wall of Los Angeles (1976–1984) Judith Baca
A massive mural
highlighting the
contributions of women and
minorities in Southern
California’s history.
Provides representation
and fosters pride within
marginalized communities,
promoting unity through
shared history.
By BillyBobJoe20 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73259544
By Andrew Tilles - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73019383

11. Secular Icons Representing Community Spirit

12. Nelson Mandela Statue (South Africa)
A 9-meter tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela with
open arms, symbolizing his role in uniting a
fractured South Africa post-apartheid celebrates
Mandela’s vision of reconciliation, equality, and
unity, embodying the values of a diverse and
harmonious nation.

13. The Statue of Liberty (USA)
A colossal neoclassical statue designed by
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, gifted by France to
the United States in 1886.
Represents freedom, democracy, and the
welcoming spirit of the United States for
immigrants and refugees.

14. Art and Resistance

15. The Guernica Mural (1937) by Pablo Picasso
Depicts the horrors of
the bombing of the
Basque town of
Guernica during the
Spanish Civil War.
Mobilizes shared
outrage and solidarity
against violence,
serving as a powerful
anti-war statement.
PICASSO, la exposición del Reina-Prado. Guernica is in the collection of Museo Reina
Sofia, Madrid. Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1683114

16. Murals of Northern Ireland (1960s–present)
These murals reflect
the cultural and
political identities of
Unionist and
Nationalist
communities, and
express collective
struggles and
aspirations, anchoring
communal identity
amidst conflict.

17. Festivals and Performative Art

18. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Features vibrant floats,
costumes, and samba music
in a massive public
celebration.
Promotes cultural unity and
joy while showcasing Brazil’s
diverse heritage.
By Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil - http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/cultura/foto/2014-03/ultimo-dia-de-desfile-do-grupo-especial-no-rio?id=906222 , CC BY 3.0 br,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47101809

19. Day of the Dead (Mexico)
Artists create elaborate
altars, paintings, and
sculptures to honor
deceased loved ones.
Strengthens familial and
communal bonds through
shared rituals of
remembrance.
By Jaredzimmerman (WMF) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33919535