Different but Equal

There seems to be a contradiction of agendas when it comes to critical regionalism and the equality demanded in urban centers as discussed in the previous week. How can we fight to remain culturally relevant and diverse, while at the same time allowing our societies to represent a universal acceptance? In other words, let’s fight to define boundaries and be different from our one another, while at the same time making culture universal. How can it be different but equal at the same time?

I actually like critical regionalism and believe we should keep pushing to make our designs culturally relevant. It doesn’t necessarily constitute conservative designs, but it does try to build on top of/ add to a regional or cultural identity. We also can not expect every culture to be fit for any universal design, there is no single solution.

Unfortunately, critical regionalism may work to a certain point, but when pockets of influence begin to overlap, we’re sure to see a universal language take over. And in the age of the internet, our regional identities are sure to be eradicated sooner than later. I guess the question would be, how long do we have until all culture is the same? Can cultural diversity be saved? 

It sounds like an unfortunate loss, but it’s what the protesters in our urban centers would probably love to see.