Architects have always sought to envision the future, but often these visions lack colour and strip away cultural diversity. Whether it is a utopian or dystopian vision, they can appear strikingly similar and Orwellian. In the movie Blade Runner 2049, for example, AI has taken over every aspect of life, presenting a bleak future that is gradually becoming our reality. We find ourselves at a critical point in human history where life imitates art, but in a dreary way.
In this globalized world, as we envision the future, one wonders if there are any remnants of unique cultural identities left. The quest to create unique buildings has often resulted in a loss of context. Globalization, gentrification, and development have become buzzwords used by politicians, but their original intent was not to eradicate diversity or make people colour-blind. Rather, they were meant to provide access to knowledge, information, and opportunities for people from all cultures, nations, and backgrounds.
Loss of Identity
Architecture is considered the product of political, economic, and social revolutions taking place in the world. Today’s architecture reflects these influences. However, with the decline in attention spans due to technological advancements and our increasing dependence on mobile devices, trends in architecture change rapidly. These trends, which affect even minor aspects like colour palettes, materials, and façade designs, have a significant impact. Consequently, a wealthy businessman’s residence in Gurgaon, New Delhi may bear a striking resemblance to that of a business analyst in Mexico City. In this process, context and cultural identity have seemingly lost their significance.
It is essential to recognize the unintended consequences of globalization and rapid urban development. While these processes have brought benefits, they have also led to the erosion of cultural diversity and the neglect of historical context. Moving forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing global connectivity and preserving the rich tapestry of cultural identities. By acknowledging and celebrating diversity, architecture can regain its ability to reflect the unique spirit of a place, capturing the essence of context and history.
The Sustainable Utopia
Globalization has not adequately accounted for the distinct issues faced by the global north (North America, Europe, Russia, etc.) and the global south (Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, South America, etc.). Attempting to address these issues with the same set of guidelines proves ineffective. For instance, sustainable development guidelines created by organizations like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) originated from the USA and UK and are meant to be followed by over 50 countries worldwide to obtain globally recognized certifications.
However, the construction techniques, design methodologies, and materials prescribed by these guidelines often prove costly for smaller developing countries. The global south has long employed sustainable practices tailored to their specific economy, climate, and culture. Unfortunately, this aspect of globalization has resulted in unintended consequences, doing more harm than good. Superficial measures like placing a green roof or incorporating a few terraced gardens do not constitute sustainable development. It is worth noting that the construction process itself is the leading cause of CO2 emissions.
To achieve genuine sustainability, a more nuanced approach is required. Guidelines and certifications need to consider the diverse contexts and resources of different regions, fostering localized solutions that align with economic feasibility and cultural practices. The focus should extend beyond cosmetic additions and address the root causes of environmental impact in the construction industry. By promoting sustainable practices throughout the entire construction process, including materials sourcing, waste management, and energy efficiency, true progress can be made in mitigating the carbon footprint of buildings. This approach ensures that sustainable development encompasses not just surface-level changes but comprehensive and meaningful transformations in the built environment.
The brain-washed beholders
Euro-centric perceptions of beauty have played a prominent role in the current wave of globalization. This narrative has its roots in the history of Colonialism and Imperialism, as these powers sought to conquer and “develop” the Global South. Their underlying objective was to erode the uniqueness and distinctiveness of local cultures, promoting a notion of “civilization.” Regrettably, not much has changed since then.
If you were to ask the average person about their concept of architectural beauty, it would often align with a homogeneous, urban landscape dominated by skyscrapers. This image lacks a genuine identity of its own and could fit seamlessly anywhere in the world, regardless of historical, geological, genealogical, cultural, or socio-economic factors.
This Euro-centric perspective continues to shape the architectural discourse, perpetuating a standardized vision of beauty that disregards the rich diversity of global contexts. It overlooks the importance of embracing and celebrating local traditions, materials, and design principles that reflect the unique identities of different regions. As a result, the architectural landscape becomes monotonous and devoid of character, with buildings that fail to connect with their surroundings.
To counteract this homogeneity, it is crucial to challenge the prevailing narrative and embrace a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to architecture. This entails acknowledging and valuing the histories, identities, and socio-economic conditions of each place. By incorporating local architectural styles, materials, and cultural references into the design process, we can create spaces that foster a sense of belonging and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Co-existence
While globalization has its drawbacks, it can also bring benefits to the field of architecture. Over the past decade, the practice of architecture has experienced more significant changes than it has in the entire previous century. It is no longer advantageous to dissociate the practice from its outcomes. Instead, we should learn from the failures and successes of different nations regarding policies, housing crises, and urban planning failures. By doing so, we can harness the potential of globalization for our benefit.
Rather than transforming the world into a mere melting pot of cultures, we should strive to find ways to celebrate and preserve cultural differences while fostering cohesiveness. The most captivating aspects of cities often emerge from areas where life has taken charge and organic growth has occurred. Walking through an old city should be akin to exploring a tapestry woven with diverse cultures and varied building typologies. Every nook and cranny should tell a story, representing the unique narratives of the people and the place.
By embracing the lessons of the past, we can navigate globalization more effectively. It requires a shift in mind set that allows for the integration of diverse cultural elements and design approaches. This approach recognizes the importance of preserving and revitalizing local architectural traditions and materials, while also embracing innovative ideas and techniques from around the world. The goal is to create a built environment that harmoniously weaves together the richness of different cultures, resulting in vibrant and inclusive cities.
References
https://www.archdaily.com/538307/city-as-a-vision-tribute-to-michel-ragon?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
https://www.archdaily.com/997062/why-the-global-south-needs-different-sustainability-benchmarks?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
https://www.archdaily.com/488067/rem-koolhaas-current-fascinations-on-identity-asia-the-biennale-and-more?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
https://www.archdaily.com/971794/orientalism-and-architecture?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all\
