The Changing Face of Cities: Intersection of Time, Sustainability, Urbanization and Financing
By İlayda Özbekoğlu Babaliki
The quality of the capital we help employ and sustainability of the underlying project.
Introduction
Urbanization term refers to the process by which people move from rural areas to urban areas, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This process is driven by a variety of factors, including economic opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the desire for a better quality of life. Urbanization can also be driven by natural disasters or political conflicts that force people to leave rural areas in search of safety and stability. This process plays a huge role in transforming city life, urban planning and architecture. As cities grow, there is a greater demand for housing, commercial and public buildings, and infrastructure such as transportation hubs, schools, and hospitals. Architects must consider factors such as population density, environmental sustainability, and accessibility when designing new buildings. There have been some important events affecting urbanization in different periods. These events have changed urbanization and thus the physical and social dynamics of cities. In this article, we will discuss the effects of these events on architecture and urbanization by referring to different perspectives and ideologies.
Capital Knowledge Management Tech at Ataol is the new and fast-growing ESG and sustainability, financial data analysis and visualization, tech due diligence, and legal affairs internship programme in the space of M&A.
Urbanization and Renaissance
The origins of urbanization can be traced back to ancient times, with the earliest urban centres developing in the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), in ancient Egypt, and along the Indus River valley in India. So urbanization is not a new concept. It is a long process which has been going on for years and influencing by different periods and developments.
The Renaissance was one of the most important periods that had a great impact on urbanization in Europe. During this period, there was a renewed interest in classical art, architecture, and culture, which led to new developments in urban design, city planning, and architecture. One of the most significant effects of the Renaissance on city life was the rise of the city-state. Powerful city-states like Florence, Venice, and Milan became centres of trade, commerce, and culture, with a focus on education, art, and science. The rise of the city-state led to new forms of social organization, with city councils and other civic institutions becoming increasingly important. The Renaissance also had a profound effect on architecture, with new styles emerging that were inspired by classical Greek and Roman designs. This led to a new emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and balance, with buildings and public spaces designed to be visually pleasing and harmonious. Renaissance architects developed new techniques for constructing buildings, including the use of arches, domes, and columns, which had a lasting impact on architecture in Europe and beyond.
In terms of urbanization, the Renaissance saw the development of new principles of city planning and design. Renaissance cities were often laid out in a grid pattern, with public squares, parks, and gardens incorporated into the design. There was a renewed focus on hygiene and sanitation, with the development of new systems for water supply and sewage disposal. The Renaissance also saw the rise of the first public hospitals and other social services, which helped to improve the quality of life in cities.
Industrial Revolution
However, the biggest urbanization shift started in the late 18th century with the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution brought about massive changes and advancements in technology, production techniques, and transportation systems in the 18th and 19th centuries. These advancements led to a significant shift from an agricultural-based economy to a manufacturing-based economy that transformed both the physical and social dynamics of cities.
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the social and physical dynamics of city life. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most people lived in rural areas and worked in agriculture. However, with the advent of new manufacturing techniques, urbanization began to accelerate. These big changes transformed the physical landscape of cities. Factories were built in urban areas, and many workers migrated from rural areas to urban centres to work in them. This led to the development of urban areas with high population densities, as people flocked to cities in search of work. Daha social changelrden bahsedilsin. The social dynamics of city life also changed dramatically. The growth of industry and the rise of the factory system led to the development of a new social class: the working class. This class of people had little or no control over their working conditions, and they often lived in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. At the same time, the growth of industry created a new class of wealthy industrialists. These people lived in luxurious homes and enjoyed a high standard of living. The gap between the rich and the poor grew wider, leading to social tensions and conflicts.
In addition, the growth of the industry led to significant changes in the family structure. As more people moved to urban areas for work, the traditional extended family structure gave way to smaller nuclear families. This, in turn, led to changes in gender roles, as women were no longer solely responsible for child-rearing and household chores.
Modernism and Rationalist Cities
The industrial revolution brought about rapid development and growth, but at the same time, it created new challenges like overcrowding, pollution, and poor working conditions. These challenges made notable architects and urban planners of the time think about the city and the problems of urbanisation. some important ideologies started to show themselves in this period. The modernist perspective is one of them. Modernism is an architectural and design movement that emerged in the early 20th century and had a significant impact on urbanization and city planning. The modernist ideology about cities and urbanization is based on the belief that the city should be a functional and efficient space that reflects the needs and values of its inhabitants. At its core, Modernist urbanism is focused on rational planning and functionalist design. Modernist architects and urban planners believed that the city should be designed around the needs of its inhabitants and that the form of the city should reflect its function. One of the key principles of modernist urbanism is the concept of zoning. This involves dividing the city into specific areas for residential, commercial, and industrial use, and ensuring that each zone is designed and built to serve its specific purpose. This approach was seen as a way to eliminate the social and environmental problems that had emerged in traditional cities, such as overcrowding and pollution. Modernist urbanizm also emphasized the use of modern materials and construction techniques. This involved the use of new building materials, such as steel and concrete, and the adoption of new construction methods, such as prefabrication.
Another key principle of modernist urbanizm is the idea of the “radiant city” concept. This concept was generated by Le Corbusier who was one of the most influential architects of the 19th century. This concept by Le Corbusier was an urban planning that was based on the idea of creating a city which was designed to be efficient and modern, with a focus on providing the best possible living conditions for its inhabitants. The idea was to create a city that was well-connected with efficient public transportation, plenty of green spaces, and a focus on creating a sense of community. The concept was also based on the idea of creating a self-sustaining city, with its energy sources, food production, and waste management systems. This concept was seen as a way to create a utopian society, where people could live in harmony with nature and each other. However, the Radiant City concept is that it is a top-down approach to urban planning that is not based on the needs of the people living in the city.
Adhering to the Radiant city concept, Le Corbusier also prepared a new urban plan for the city of Paris known as the “Plan Voisin,”. This urban plan envisioned the demolition of the historic centre of Paris and its replacement with a series of towering skyscrapers surrounded by green space. This plan was highly focused on being efficient rather than focusing on the social needs of society. The plan was controversial and ultimately rejected, but its impact on urban planning was significant, particularly in the development of modernist architecture and the concept of the “city within a city.”
Overall, the modernist ideology about cities and urbanization emphasized rational planning, functional design, and the use of new materials and construction techniques to create efficient and visually appealing urban environments. However, some critics argue that this approach often led to the creation of sterile and homogenous urban landscapes that lacked the vibrancy, diversity, and layering of traditional cities.
Post Modernizm and Layering
As a reaction to the functionalist and rationalist approaches of modernism, Postmodernist urbanization emerged in the late 20th century. Postmodernism challenged the notion that architecture and urban design should be based purely on function and emphasized the importance of symbolism, narrative, and historical reference in shaping the urban environment.
One of the key features of postmodernist urbanization is the use of historical references and symbolism in architectural design. Postmodernist architects often drew on historical architectural styles, motifs, and elements to create buildings and urban landscapes that were visually striking and evocative. For example, buildings might incorporate elements from Gothic, Art Deco, or Classical architecture, often in a playful or ironic way.
Postmodernist urbanization also emphasized the importance of individuality and context in architectural design. Architects and urban designers were encouraged to consider the specific cultural, historical, and social contexts of their projects, and to create designs that were responsive to these contexts. This led to the development of buildings and urban landscapes that were more varied and expressive than the uniform and functionalist designs of modernism. Another key feature of postmodernist urbanization is the emphasis on public space and social interaction. Postmodernist architects and urban designers recognized the importance of public spaces in urban life and sought to create spaces that were inviting and conducive to social interaction. This led to the development of new urban typologies, such as mixed-use developments and pedestrianized streets, which sought to create vibrant and engaging urban environments.
Colin Rowe was one of the supporters of this ideology and came up with the idea and term called Bricolage City. He is a British-born American architectural historian, critic, and teacher. His Bricolage city concept is a term used to describe the urban fabric of postmodern cities, which he believed were characterized by a fragmented and eclectic collection of architectural styles and urban forms. The term “Bricolage” refers to the process of constructing something using whatever materials and resources are available, often resulting in a patchwork or collage-like assemblage. Rowe argued that postmodern cities were the result of a process of bricolage, in which architects and planners borrowed elements from different architectural styles and historical periods, mixing and matching them in new and unconventional ways. This resulted in a diverse and heterogeneous urban landscape, which he argued was a reflection of the cultural and social diversity of postmodern society.
Rowe believed that this eclectic and fragmented urban fabric was a defining characteristic of postmodernist urbanization, which challenged the modernist ideal of a homogeneous and rational city. Postmodernist urbanization was seen as a rejection of the modernist focus on functionality and efficiency, and instead embraced the complexity and ambiguity of urban life. He believed that layering was important in cities because it created a sense of depth and history, which gave the city a sense of continuity and connection to the past. In his view, cities were not just collections of buildings and streets but were rather complex layers of history, culture, and social interactions. Istanbul is an excellent example of a concept that Colin Rowe supports. It is a city where different historical periods and architectural styles coexist, creating a rich and complex urban fabric that reflects the city’s long and diverse history. These create a juxtaposition of old and new, creating a unique and vibrant urban environment in the city of Istanbul.
In summary, Rowe’s Bricolage city concept suggests layering in a city is the most that postmodern cities are characterized by an eclectic and diverse urban fabric, resulting from a process of borrowing and mixing architectural styles and urban forms. This concept supports postmodernist urbanization, which challenges the modernist ideal of a homogeneous and rational city, and instead embraces the complexity and diversity of urban life.
Information Age and Smart Cities
The Information Age, which began in the late 20th century, has had a profound impact on city dynamics and urbanization. With the proliferation of advanced technologies such as the internet, smartphones, and social media, people have become increasingly connected and informed, allowing for greater collaboration and sharing of ideas. This has led to the rise of knowledge-based industries and the growth of urban centres that support these industries. At the same time, technological advancements have made it easier for people to work remotely, which has spurred the development of suburban areas and exurbs, as well as smaller cities that are connected to larger urban centres through technology.
With the rise of the information age, cities had to adapt and change according to technological development. This adaptation process created the “Smart City” concept. This concept emerged as a response to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, population growth, and resource depletion. As more and more people move to cities in search of employment and better opportunities, urban environments are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to manage. Cities are facing a range of challenges, including traffic congestion, pollution, energy consumption, waste management, and public safety, which are putting a strain on urban resources and infrastructure.
Smart cities are the cities that implemented various technologies to overcome these problems. These cities are often characterized by a range of physical features and infrastructure, including:
- Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices: These devices are embedded throughout the city to monitor various aspects of urban life, such as traffic flow, air quality, energy consumption, and waste management. This data is then analyzed and used to inform decision-making and improve the delivery of services.
- Digital infrastructure: This includes high-speed internet connectivity, digital payment systems, and other digital technologies that enable residents to access services and information more easily.
- Intelligent transportation systems: These systems use data from sensors and other sources to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve public transportation systems.
- Smart energy systems: These systems use renewable energy sources and advanced technologies to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.
- Green infrastructure: This includes green spaces, green roofs, and other types of urban vegetation that help to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.
Smart Cities and Architecture
There are many cities around the world that are implementing these technologies, but one prominent example is Singapore. Singapore is considered one of the leading smart cities in the world due to its advanced use of technology and data to improve urban living.
The city-state has implemented a range of smart city solutions to address issues such as traffic congestion, energy efficiency, and public safety. For example, Singapore’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) uses sensors, cameras, and data analytics to monitor traffic conditions in real time, enabling the city to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. The city has also implemented a smart lighting system that uses sensors to adjust the brightness of streetlights based on the surrounding environment, saving energy and reducing light pollution.
Certainly, these technologies can not be implemented in the city without architecture. It is the key element of smart and self-sustained cities. Some architects started designing buildings that are more responsive to the needs and preferences of their occupants, using data analytics to understand how people use and interact with buildings, and designing spaces that are more flexible and adaptable to changing needs. Architects are using sensors to monitor various aspects of buildings, such as energy consumption, air quality, and occupancy rates, and using data analytics to optimize building performance and reduce resource consumption. The integration of smart city concepts into architecture is leading to more sustainable, efficient, and responsive buildings and urban environments, and is helping to address some of the complex challenges facing cities today.
Nowadays, this “Smart City” concept is taken one step further with the Project called “The Line”. This is a futuristic city project announced by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, in January 2021. The project is a 170-kilometre-long, car-free city that will be built from scratch in the northwest of the country. It is designed to be a sustainable city that prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants, with a focus on environmental sustainability, health, and technology. The city will be built in a straight line, hence the name “The Line,” and will be powered entirely by renewable energy. It will be divided into four layers: a pedestrian layer at the top, a service layer underneath that, a transport layer beneath the service layer, and a utility layer at the bottom. The city will be designed to be walkable, with all essential services and amenities within a 5-minute walk of each other.
As for how “The Line” project is related to the concept of a smart city, the answer lies in its use of advanced technology to create a sustainable and livable environment. The city will be built using the latest technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy, making it a model of a sustainable and technologically advanced city. It will also use smart sensors and data analytics to manage traffic flow, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency, among other things. It is also possible to see some similarities between this project and the Radiant City concept of Le Corbusier. Both projects involve the creation of new, purpose-built cities. Le Corbusier’s Radiant City was intended to be a solution to the problems of overcrowding and poor living conditions in European cities at the time. Similarly, The Line project in Saudi Arabia aims to create a new city that prioritizes sustainable living, with a focus on environmental responsibility and technological innovation.
However, as “Radiant City” critically argued, The Line project of Saudi Arabia has also faced its share of criticism and concerns. Despite its emphasis on sustainability, some critics argue that The Line project will have a significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of its construction and development. Concerns have been raised about the destruction of natural habitats, the potential for water shortages, and the impact of the project on nearby ecosystems. Critics have also raised concerns about the potential social impacts of The Line project, particularly in terms of housing affordability and accessibility. Some worry that the development will primarily benefit wealthy individuals and businesses and that it may displace or exclude lower-income residents.
Overall, while The Line project of Saudi Arabia has ambitious goals and potential benefits, it is not without its critics and concerns. As with any major development project, it will be important to carefully consider and address these concerns to ensure that the project is sustainable, equitable, and in line with local and international human rights standards.
Smart Cities, Sustainability and Real Estate Financing
There has been a growing trend of increased investment in sustainable cities and smart cities around the world. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable urban development and the potential benefits of smart technology. Investment in sustainable cities often involves the development of green infrastructure and sustainable transportation systems, as well as the promotion of energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy sources. This investment can come from a variety of sources, including government, private investors, and international organizations. For example, the European Union has set a goal of making all its cities carbon-neutral by 2050 and has pledged billions of euros in funding to support this effort. Investment in smart cities typically involves the development of advanced technology infrastructure and data analytics systems to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban systems. This can include things like smart transportation systems, energy-efficient buildings, and advanced waste management systems. Private sector investors, including technology companies and real estate developers, are increasingly investing in smart city projects, recognizing the potential for improved economic productivity and quality of life for residents.
The increased trend of investment in sustainable and smart cities can have a significant impact on real estate values within these cities too. This is because smart and sustainable features often make these cities more attractive and desirable to businesses, residents, and investors.
Firstly, smart cities with advanced technology and digital infrastructure can attract businesses and entrepreneurs who require access to these resources. This can lead to increased demand for office space and commercial real estate, which can drive up property values. For example, a smart city with high-speed internet and advanced data analytics systems may be more attractive to tech companies than a city with outdated infrastructure. Secondly, sustainable features in a city, such as green infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings, can make real estate more attractive to environmentally-conscious investors and tenants. Properties with lower operating costs due to sustainability features may be more valuable than comparable properties without those features. Thirdly, smart cities often prioritize the development of public spaces, walkability, and access to amenities, which can make real estate in these cities more desirable and valuable than in other areas. For example, a smart city with efficient public transportation and a variety of parks and recreational spaces may be more attractive to families than a city without those features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, urbanization has had a profound impact on city life and architecture over the years. With the increase in population and demand for space, cities have become more densely populated and buildings have grown taller and more complex. As we discussed above architecture and cities have been influenced by art, politics, economics, real-estate and technology over the years. As cities continue to evolve and adapt, new movements and concepts have emerged to shape the way we think about urban design and architecture. As we move forward, it is crucial to consider how these different movements and concepts can work together to create sustainable, livable cities that meet the needs of diverse populations, while also preserving and celebrating the unique cultural and historical heritage of urban areas.
