ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the change in values which has supported the reinvention of the city after the environmental crisis, from modernity to anti-progress. The thread of argument starts in philosophy, more specifically in “ecosophy”. The precursors of Romantic thought, on the other hand, distanced themselves from Descartes’ ideals, and embraced Rousseau’s as catalysts to voices that accused the enlightenment of placing humanity in a purely materialist context. A new political and business elite that belonged to bourgeoisie set in motion the modernization project, an ambitious rationalization program that began in realm of industry but that ended up engaging society and culture. It was led by Enlightenment thinking, which contributed notions that led to efficient production and management methods, such as Fordism and Taylorism. The generation of a domestic atmosphere is the prime objective of architects and interior designers of these spaces. The furniture is clearly homely: couches, cupboards, standing lamps, kitchen tables, and a vast number of plants.
