Plattegrond van Carmagnola, 1726 1726

This is an anonymous plan of Carmagnola, made in 1726. The most striking feature is the star-shaped fortification surrounding the city, a common motif in military architecture of the time, symbolizing protection and power. This symbol of the star-shaped fortress has its roots in ancient defensive structures, evolving over centuries. From simple palisades to complex, geometric designs, each era leaves its mark, layering meaning onto the symbol. This shape isn't merely functional; it's a potent visual metaphor. We can see it echoing in Renaissance city plans, where the star fort embodies the era's obsession with order and control, or even in religious symbols where stars often represent divine guidance or protection. How has the collective unconscious shaped our understanding of the star, imbuing it with a sense of security? This plan is not just a technical drawing; it's a manifestation of human aspirations for safety, order, and dominance. It embodies the cyclical nature of history, where symbols resurface, transformed by new contexts, yet still resonating with primal emotions and psychological needs.