Urbanization and Displacement
Even within a democratic setting, with rights also comes conflict
and the inability to often please all parties (whether that be politically,
socially, ect.) I think we can see this very evidently as we start discussing
the collective right and freedom to shape the city. While we were discussing
Haussmans plans and urbanization of Paris and the consequence of the ’68 revolution
I very quickly began to wrestle with this idea of the ethics behind displacement,
or more aggressively gentrification. Harvey writes about how “Haussmann tore
through the old Parisian slums, using powers of expropriation for supposedly
public benefit and did so in the name of civic improvement and renovation”
While we’ll never really know if the ethics behind Haussmans demolition of predominantly
lower class dwellings were really for the common good or civic improvement, I
find that debate less relevant than that of exploring our ethical duties as
architects in terms of urbanization, capitalism and potentially displacement. While
capitalism, and this idea of “surplus” that Harvey references, has been known
to fuel the process of urbanization it’s also caused much political and social conflict. Gentrification can often be viewed as a suppression
of this communal civil right to the city. However even with Haussman and Paris
after the revolt and desire to take back the city that by the people was felt to be lost, there was an
eventual social and urban stabilization which leaves us with the new Paris
which we now know and love. Is there a way that we can we better handle this delicate situation of
urbanization and displacement without feeling like the civil rights of the
people are being completely suppressed? Or do we need to just rely on our better judgements of professional practice hoping that the current conflict of displacement will like Paris result in an eventual urban stabilization, overall benefitting the public.
I think gentrification will occur, it's wisely guiding the process that makes the difference. You bring up some good points in questioning the way we handle the situation of urbanization and displacement. How do we make sure the civil rights of people are upheld while still improving the situation of our cities? How do we make sure everyone's voices are heard?
ReplyDeleteYou're right that this is such a delicate issue. I can see the good and the bad that comes with the gentrification that will inevitably happen as environments change and progress with time. I do not think that I know the answer, and I'm not sure that there is one. But, I think it is definitely an ethical dilemma that architects must be aware of and consider in their professional career.
ReplyDeleteThe imminent gentrification of many US cities calls for participatory design if we aim to make our cities inclusive. It is important to find a place for everyone, especially if displacement may be of concern. After all, those affected by gentrification must go somewhere. I think a holistic approach must be considered, one where none of the pieces- so to speak- are looked over or left out.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is probably an unpopular opinion, I do not see gentrification as evil. I think that due to the nature of cities, always evolving, it is only natural that buildings and neighborhoods participate in the process. Buildings do have a life span, and I believe that rebuilding run down areas of a city can ignite a spark and transform the area to where more people actually use the space. And isn’t that what we strive for as designers? Of course we battle the ethical dilemma of displacing people, perhaps a battle that is never won. Is there no way to renovate neighborhoods to low income housing in a way that is also inviting to the community? I don’t understand why the two cannot coincide.
ReplyDelete