The Impact of Illegal Buildings
Architects have controlled how people should live and adapt to society for many years. The rise of informal space allows the user to create a space that is meaningful to the user and can quickly adapt to change. I can see how illegal architecture has become popular in the Canary Islands in Spain. It is a way to build cheaply and quickly that addresses urbanization, overpopulation, and homelessness. On the other hand, Illegal architecture can lead to overcrowding of spaces, safety hazards, and other issues that can negatively impact a community. In other cases, it is also a result of people taking advantage of local zoning laws or a lack of enforcement in a given area. Regardless of the cause, illegal architecture can seriously affect a community and the environment.
Illegal architecture can also be in other parts of the world; one that I’m familiar with is Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, it is common to see illegal buildings because of all the major storms that happen yearly. Homes get destroyed by hurricanes, mudslides, and materials are hard to get. With the rise of illegal buildings, many environmental activists are starting to take action to destroy those buildings. Puerto Rico has many protected lands, and building illegal homes could impact those areas. As this becomes a major issue in Puerto Rico, what could the government do to help those rebuild their homes after a major storm to reduce the number of illegal buildings?
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/outraged-puerto-ricans-alarmed-illegal-construction-protected-areas-rcna27684
- https://www.latinorebels.com/2022/07/05/rinconbeachprotest/
As you mentioned, Puerto Rico has experienced the destructive effects of major storms, resulting in the rise of illegal buildings. It's important to consider how the government can support individuals in rebuilding their homes after natural disasters while also mitigating the negative impact on protected lands. Finding a balance between providing aid and enforcing regulations can be a challenging task, but it's necessary for the safety and sustainability of communities.
ReplyDeleteYou could also see this occurrence in Puerto Rico as a prediction of what could happen in Ukraine as so many structures are being destroyed. How does a nation rebuild after a tragedy in a planned and just manner?
ReplyDeleteNatural disasters are so devastating for communities. How can they make things better when it is so hard to get ahead? Especially in places like Puerto Rico where there is a new storm each year. As soon as you make progress you get set back from another disaster.
ReplyDeleteGovernments' approaches vary from place to place when dealing with illegal developments and encroachments. These developments can only be gotten rid of after a while. Planning must be done to place these people in a safe and sound community through different programs. Usually, when you move these illegal settlements, it comes with problems. These people in unlawful settlements often have their livelihoods close to the settlements. For example, fishermen settle by the coast. Often governments will plan to move them inland. This could be a possibility in puerto rico. But the users will find a way to return and reoccupy the place. Therefore finding the balance between the safety and culture of these settlements is the key.
ReplyDeleteHey Michael,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not agree with the construction of illegal building, i don't understand the need to rebuild after a storm and the need to make it happened