Plattegrond van Heusden 1725 - 1765

This is an anonymous birds-eye view of Heusden, rendered in ink. Note the town's fortifications, star-shaped, bristling with defensive points. This configuration is no mere engineering solution; it’s a powerful symbol of protection, a motif stretching back to ancient fortifications. Consider the Babylonian city walls, or even the layered defenses of a medieval castle. The impulse to fortify, to create a safe haven, echoes through time. This drive isn’t just practical; it's deeply rooted in our psyche. We see it manifested in the protective gestures of a mother, the construction of a secure home, or even the carefully guarded boundaries of personal space. The star-shaped fort, therefore, speaks to a primal desire for safety and order in a chaotic world. It is a pattern of defense, a symbol that resurfaces throughout history, adapting to new technologies and anxieties, always reminding us of our enduring need for security.