Arc Castle Studio

Strategic Design, A Case Study:

This article will focus upon an unusual design of an ancient ‘city gate’. It represents a story that came to light, as part of an archeological dig that occurred in Israel. It represents a fascinating design that was unlike any city gate of its day. It provides interesting parallels about how strategic design was used in early history. This provides an historical perspective on design thinking, but also reveals the timeless application of this method.    

In the 9th century B.C., the city gate had become such an important feature in the ancient world, that it became a necessary part of building a city. However, over time, the city gate  soon became the weak link and no longer served to protect. However this story shows how design thinking was utilized to change all that. 

The Megiddo Gates, A Case Study:

The ancient city I am referring to, is the discovery of the City Gates of ‘Megiddo’. Through detailed records of the archeological dig, a plan was revealed in which the design of the gate system entailed an enclosed passageway that included internal chambers. Special chambers that served to provide added protection.  

The design of the ‘Megiddo Gate’ (sketch depicted above) reveals the actual floor plan of the ancient ruins. As the details emerged this gate system included  much more than a single gate, but also became a place of civic governance and commerce that occurred at the gate itself. In addition, the structure was built with a substantial foundation and long lasting materials. In addition, the wall structure was built to include an internal passage way with chambers, designed to be within the thick walled structure. In turn the walled gate became a fortified building structure that also housed diverse functions while also protecting the city gate. The design fundamentally changed the typical operation of the city entrance gate and influenced the way the city gate functioned. It was as though the city gate itself had become a symbol of royal governance. 

This ancient city gate revealed a design mindset, that incorporated an understanding of the various challenges of its day, not to mention, how it transformed the city.  The new Megiddo gates provided an innovative design approach, that provided enhanced protection. The new gates created several large multi layered walled systems of  large blocks that not only made it stronger, but made it difficult to enter the protected passage. An apposing army that did dare to attempt to break through the first gate, was soon overwhelmed by the multi-gate system and battle ready stations on either side of the passage way. In addition, it was a very tight corridor of articulated rock walls and internal chambers which were easily supplied by a network of internal passage ways behind solid masonry walls. In addition, the slope of the passage way was also inclined. In time of peace, various systems were provided to allow for passage of goods and materials to traverse the passage. 

The Essence of Strategic Design:

The noted case study of the ‘Megiddo city gate’, provides a solution that moves well beyond the typical inherent weakness of the known city gates of its day. It  provided advanced functions and operations that dramatically improved the city on many levels. Both from the standpoint of strength and durability, but also of improved function. The design solution clearly represented advancements over the status quo, and boldly moved beyond the status quo; providing an extensive array of enhanced functionality and value to its citizenry. The new gate system also advanced an innovative novel design in creating “a royal seat of governance”. No longer would the fortified gate be taken for granted, but became a welcomed feature. Interestingly, the Megiddo city gate advancements did not require new material, or technology, but rather demonstrated an emphasis on  innovation of its design, seeking to move well beyond the status quo. The design utilized wisdom over a reliance upon the brute force of an army, or even the standards of its day. But through wisdom and emphasis’ on understanding the problem, was a solution advanced.  

Great Challenges Can inspire Good Design:

The genius of the Megiddo city gate plan, is found in its ability to completely transform the single gate system of its day into a multifaceted ingenious solution. (King Solomon, the king of this region, it is said was responsible for its design,) Through strategic design he was able to significantly improve upon the design and architecture of the city gate. Having identified inherent weakness, solutions were conceived through planning and then developing a prototype. This allowed further refinement and testing of the final structure and design. In addition, the new gate became an identifying feature of this city. Singlehandedly creating a civic function within the gate; serving as a place for the “judicial courts”. Thus, it represented both a security feature as well as a seat of governance.  It interesting how the design embodied an ordered path that protected its people, while achieving additional benefits.   

From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account of what strategic design looks like. Solving major challenge’s of its day with strategy and design set its solutions far along a path that sought to create valuable and effective solutions. This astonishing case study delineates a way of advancing solutions that adds substantial value, benefits and vital functions for human beings. It’s much more than a fancy facade or skin deep solutions, its profoundly authentic and unique. 

Modern Day Applications:

Utilizing a strategic design methodology, can be applied to a work of architecture as well as those that fall outside of its strict boundaries.  We must consider how to effectively utilize the principles of strategic design to realize new solutions and seek to transcend the problems of our day. Much can be accomplished with this methodology and way of thinking. The City gates of the ancient city of Megiddo depicts a real-life example of a city gate that used strategic design to make substantial improvements. At the same time providing a new culture of change. All this from a single example of an ancient city gate that was designed by a wise king almost 3000 years ago!      

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