THE HORREOS  AT AUTUMN EQUINOX

by John M Johansen

Like citadels, the "horreos" of old Iberia

stand guard over the fields of corn below.

These are granaries, which by their timely function,

are symbolic of the Autumn Equinox.

Built with chiseled joint of heavy quarried granite,

proof against rodent, fire and rain;

built not for the season but for seasons in all of time.

Built to protect that precious staff of life.

For these people, corn meant kernels of a plant they tended.

Yet for them, as well, meant Divine dispensation:

a gift of grace for which no payment was exacted,

only what they gave as faith in an unknown providence.

In stately rows, "horreos", styled as chapels,

offering space, not for worship within,

but for sanctuary of ingredients for a sacred bread

to sustain 'till spring, their bodies - as well as their souls.

THE POETICS OF TECHNOLOGY

“...One of my central phrases is the 'poetics of technology', in which I see poetry - poetic aspects of architecture - in the building technologies, going back right the way through to ancient buildings. It is a parade of technical achievement, moving from one building technology to the next, from (tr)aviation to the arch to the vault, to iron and glass and now to even more sophisticated methods. Each one of them is a major factor in deciding what the aesthetic is. So I think history backs up my view on this. I am very upset these days by artists who assume they are pure artists and have no regard for technology, for building structures or for art as a service. This is very central to my position and is one I have had for a long time.”              - John M Johansen