Who benefits?
With each urban renewal, transformation, or reorganization, there are improvements but also consequences. As David Harvey discusses in his text that the quality of urban life has become a commodity. When one group is dissatisfied, there is a "take-over" of public space or complaints to the local government until something is changed. But are all the outcomes positive for the people initiating it? Their quality of life may improve, but who really benefits?
Let's briefly look at the Haussmann plan of Paris. The plan solved significant organizational problems, allowed for the simplification of infrastructure, and improved air quality - thus improving the quality of life in the area. But what about the individuals who lost the basic need for shelter and had half of their house demolished? Today, there are similar issues with gentrification. Planners go in, redevelop an area, make it safer/healthier/more beautiful, but the original inhabitants of the area cannot afford to live there anymore. Is there a way to actually help those dissatisfied with the city without displacing them entirely?
Beginning phase of Haussmann Plan
Pulbic anti-gentrification rally at the Brooklyn Museum
One way to deal with the problem of gentrification is through rent stabilization. However, that idea wouldn't fly in a more landlord-friendly legal environments like the south. I think the outcomes of gentrification have a lot to do with whose interests lawmakers are serving- too often they serve the wrong people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that with every change there's always going to be different reactions and the wonderful thing of democracy is that people have the right to show their position. Also, if sooo many people are willing to go out and stop their lives for a moment to protest maybe there is a good reason behind it.
ReplyDeleteI feel like most of the times the architecture and built fabric takes precedence over the people. This is counter intuitive as the fabric was developed for the people. So, then shouldn't we cater to users first..
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