Gezicht op Villa Sobotta in de wijk Tempelhof in Berlijn, Duitsland before 1877

This photograph captures Villa Sobotta in Berlin, showcasing its architecture with a prominent tower. The tower, a motif that has appeared throughout history, recalls ancient watchtowers, medieval keeps, and even the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. These architectural features, across cultures, symbolize power and surveillance, evoking a sense of security. The Villa's tower invites comparison with the biblical Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition and hubris. While Villa Sobotta's tower serves a more modest purpose, it still embodies a desire for elevation, both literally and figuratively. Our collective memory is triggered subconsciously, associating this structure with historical narratives of aspiration and control. Such architectural forms engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring emotions related to safety, dominance, and even anxiety. The horizontal stripes, the verticality of the tower—these elements echo through time, resurfacing in different contexts. It's a cyclical progression, where symbols evolve, taking on new meanings yet retaining echoes of their origins.