Plattegrond van een droogdok te Vlissingen 1717 - 1755

This is François van Bleyswijck's plan of a dry dock in Vlissingen. Look at the architectural blueprint, a symbolic rendering of human endeavor to master the elements. Consider the meaning of the rectangle, the square, the line, and the circle. These are not mere geometric forms; they are the building blocks of civilization itself. Note the docks, where the ships lie, evoking the image of a vessel in harbor. In ancient times, the harbor represented not just safety but also a gateway to the unknown, a place of departure and return. The plan echoes the ancient Roman grid layouts, projecting order onto nature, much like the modern city’s design. However, there is a cyclical progression: the plan represents both a tool for mastery and a reflection of our psychological need to impose order on the chaos of the world. In our dreams, the ship represents our own selves, embarking on a journey to explore our subconscious. This architectural plan is both a physical blueprint and a representation of our cultural, collective psyche.