Occasionally, I come across articles on the current economic woes of Las Vegas and its curious twin city in the middle east, Dubai. There are links between both places on many different levels--similar geography, similar resources, and similar problems. Of particular interest is the fact that some investment arm of the Dubai emirate is heavily involved in the massive City Center project in Las Vegas, which of this writing, does not seem to be in very good financial shape.
The long-term success or failure of Las Vegas and Dubai will be a test of how well a human idea can withstand the forces of nature. So it could said be for all human endeavors and the architectural icons that we take so much pride in. But before I assign to Las Vegas or Dubai the title of "best metaphor for the human condition" it's worth noting the most obvious deficiencies--lack of water, lack of diversity and lack of history--that threaten the long term significance of these city-states. Another problem that both places have is that they don't satisfy the criteria for a good crossroads--the best spots were taken a long time ago and most are doing just fine today. Dubai might have a slight advantage here because it is located on salt water and has a new airport. However, nothing shipped from China to the U.S. has to stop there for any good reason.
Las Vegas has been used by more than one person, most notably, Robert Venturi, as a powerful model for the United States ethos and our national architecture. More on that subject later, but I can't help but notice that the most recent building projects are violating the principle of cheap land that make sprawling American urban regions economically viable. Why build a high rise when you can keep spreading out?
Incidentally, this photo is of the Sahara desert, which I chose because of its relation to the poem and as an appropriate prop for discussing Las Vegas or Dubai.
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