After looking at so many grid plans and urban settlements it is refreshing to look at how monuments in commemoration of a leader are erected.
The memorial statue's enormity really enhances the feeling of admiration for Roosevelt because we take him to be a powerful man. He is an important symbol of American identity and although before his passing he said he only wanted a small and modest memorial, he obviously knew that it is human nature for people to do the exact opposite of what you tell them to, hence why such a large monument was made in his honour.
Furthermore, in a review of Margaret Farrar's essay on "Building the Body Politic: Power and Urban Space in Washington, D.C., it outlines her discussion on how urban spaces are ultimately influenced by politics and also influence politics themselves. The way monuments and government buildings are erected are all representative of the politics in society, and furthermore, monuments are constructed to show power. Unless government is low on funding they are going to construct monuments and buildings to show their position and their superiority in society. Going back to the FDR Memorial, this monument was most likely constructed to show other countries America's pride for their leaders. When people gather to honour their leaders it shows them as being a healthy members of society and healthy members of society mean a healthy nation. Thus, the way politics are run in a nation ultimately dictate how urban forms are built and how structures are developed.
References:
A View on Cities: Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
http://www.aviewoncities.com/washington/franklindrooseveltmemorial.htm
Review on Margaret Farrar's Essay: "Building the Body Politic: Power and Urban Space in Washington, D.C
http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/66bfm6pd9780252032271.html
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