Looking back, I feel fortunate not to have contributed to the architecture of our age. Nor to urban and regional planning, for that matter. The world we inhabit is despicable, and on first sight. Wherever one looks, the so-called best is the worst. And the purported worst is barely tolerable. It is amazing that the human species has plummeted to such lows in three or four generations of sizzling plenty. The greater the possibilities for shaping the world, the more abominable the results. And that is surely the law. I do not believe that there has been an era more destitute in terms of architecture than ours. Or urban and regional planning, as well. Thus I can hardly wait for the architectural masterpieces of our time to be covered with ivy. Or the most prominent of our cities to be wooded. The palpable prospect fills me with immense joy. This strikes me as the final solution to the ambitions of an inept species bent on devastation of everything in sight. Dear forests, come back soon. As soon as possible!

Addendum (September 26, 2016)

I was still studying architecture in Belgrade when I wrote a letter to the editor of Architectural Design, better known as AD, the foremost journal in the field at the time. It concerned architectural principles, of which there were five. The letter got published, but I cannot find it in my files any longer. To the best of my recollection, it must have come out sometime between 1967 and 1969. Anyhow, my principles demand that trees shield every piece of architecture from view. No building must be higher than the highest tree growing in the area. And so forth. I recently contacted the current editor of AD and asked for a copy of my letter, but I have not been successful so far. The past issues have not been digitalized as yet. Besides, editor’s aids are scarce nowadays. But my principles of architectural design are pertinent to this day. And ever more so. Luckily, nature will take care of shielding buildings from view in due time. By the end of this century, the principles will be dutifully applied all around the world.