What do we lose in this rush to develop?
Rapid Urbanization is basically the extreme growth of cities due to rural migration. This not only pressurises growth, but poses a great threat to cultural heritage and preservation. This can compared to a balloon. The more it grows as you blow air into it, the higher the chance that it pops altogether. Although urbanization might give some temporary advantages like economic growth, development of infrastructure and etc, these supposed “advantages” are quickly undermined by loss of cultural heritage, displacement of families (sometimes entire communities) and even the negative psychological impact on a person’s mind after losing their home…
How does urbanization lead to the physical and cultural erasure of history?
Urbanization only prioritizes new buildings, cities, roads and even new cultures, which threaten to undermine anicent cultures. Historical sites are destroyed, communities are displaced and destruction takes place through demolition. Heavy machinery is used, all types of pollution (mainly dust and gas) increases and the economy faces more harm than good. The old is disregarded whereas modern attempts to “promote and preserve” cultural heritage are wholeheartedly accepted. Urbanization isn’t demolition of historical sites or buildings, it’s demolition of cultures, ideals, beliefs and deeply-rooted memories which sprung from monuments which no longer stand. Anything which is “old” has always been regarded and treated with respect throughout history, Whether it’s an old man on the street or an old tree in a park where generations visited.
Why does rapid urbanization happen at the cost of history and community?
Urbanization should not happen at the cost of heritage in any way, shape or form. The main reason any loss is incurred during the construction of new buildings, cities, housing schemes and etc is mainly because of unplanned and unprecendented environmental factors, cutural relevance and the growing drive for “economic growth.” The main idea behind unbuilding itself is reshaping the idea of demolition itself, architectural norms and changing our narrow view of “progress”. Sustainibility is not limited to awareness or environmental initiatives, it also extends to cultural heritage being protected by the law through reforms, people through their actions and mentors through their rightly guided students.
Unbuilding: what type of alternative does it provide us with?
Unbuilding is just, simply put, “another word for sustainbale Urbanization”. Through sustainable architecture which accounts for environmental factors aswell as the cultural heritage of every major and minor community throughout the world. Marvels of sustainable architecture like Mud Houses not only provide communities with a chance to rebuild and reshape their cultural heritage wherever they are, but also allows for us to dwelve deeper into where our roots are really held, in the ground itself.
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