Epilogue- Perspectives, Fear Not of the City, Reflections

From the start of the assignment, Perspectives were key to identifying and analyzing the city. Everyone has differing ideas, opinions and interests, crafted from their environment, upbringing, childhood, economic and other demographic factors. I chose certain blogs to reflect upon, not just due to their context and topic, but on the basis that i knew these fellow students, and their personality, and it was more interesting as a result to see their views because of this. Obviously, someone who lives in Port Of Spain will feel different about it (not necessarily more or less passionately, but just different) than someone who lives in Toco. The blogs upon which i reflect are:

1. Sevastar Ramlogan's Blog- "The Arts Of Trinidad's City" http://urbantriniart.blogspot.com/

            His blog talked about the way that art can be found in numerous places, not just in architecture, but in the processes, relationships and activity that goes on within the urban city.                        More Specifically, his article Art in Architecture http://urbantriniart.blogspot.com/2013/04/art-in-architecture.html which spoke of not just the purpose behind architecture in building construction, but also the expressive nature that symbolizes art and artistry, showcasing the talent and abilities of our builders (foreign and local). Again, perspectives with respect to whether this art is beautiful or not is certainly a shaky concept (think SBCS's construction). He also talked about the way that this beauty and art of architecture transitions from one time to another, just as trends of fashion and music do so.This related very closely to a couple of my posts, but especially the first post that i did, where i attempted to show the influence of builders in architecture, as well as the post on green spaces as themselves a form of artistry and architecture (which i failed to initially pick up upon).

2. Tabeeta Dwarika's Blog- "Urban Unsustainability" http://urbangeographer8.blogspot.com/

She talked about the challenges that cities faced with respect to sustainability and in the ways that they themselves became unsustainable through "development". The "development" is in quotes as quite accurately, she highlighted the negative effects of this development as in fact being the exact opposite of the intended progress. One specific post that was done is: "You Have Space For me Too? http://urbangeographer8.blogspot.com/2013/03/you-have-space-for-me-to.html This was related to my blog post on gentrification, which talked about urban sprawl. Her perspective was a little different, but just as important, as it outlined how the Northern Range has been dragged into, and negatively affected by this same urban sprawl. At what point does housing (see also the post on homelessness) take priority over the detriment of the environment and its resources?



3. Nirvana Hanooman's Blog - "City Dwellings"--http://citydwellingstt.blogspot.com

She spoke about the different types of dwellings, and apart from having fantastic pictures, also represented inequality, as well as those who have and do not have their own dwellings. For some, a dwelling is simply a house, while for others it is a home. This has to do with each person's satisfaction with their position in the urban scape.
Her post: Homelessness, Nowhere to Go, http://citydwellingstt.blogspot.com/2013/03/homelessness-no-where-to-go.html reflected the sentiment of my post, Homeless: Sweep them under the rug, while also highlighting the frustration that these homeless persons feel. We can sympathize with them all we want, but unless we make an effort to assist them, they will forever be in such an unfortunate and definitely unfair situation. Her Photo of the Homeless man outside of the bank was quite telling and severely ironic.

All in all, it was fun to do such a creative assignment, and i tried my best to make up little stories, poems and calypsos to counter the equally important theory and offer some entertainment. The entire class had extremely good blogs and it was interesting to see everybody's passion and viewpoint! Thanks for visiting and following! :)

Escuchela..la cuidad respirando

Listen to it- The city is breathing.

Teeming with life of all forms, like a sort of built up, constructed reef, and we, the colourful fishes which swim in and out of its crevices, interacting with the landscape, with each other, with all things. Some of us will be predators, looking to take advantage of one another to fill our own bellies. Others will be mutualistic, trying to benefit each other. Whatever our purpose, whatever our perspective, the Urbanization of Trinidad is inevitable. As citizens of this country, which has as its cultural, economic, social, recreational center the Capital City, we must make a conscious effort to embrace the urban, to revel in its positives and to condemn and right its negatives.

Wherever we go in the urban city, we will see some example of different urban processes. Too often we afford them too little thought, caught up in our own business. Hopefully, with these blogs, you can get a sense of why the Urban is more than the skyscrapers, green spaces, slums and garbage. Hopefully you can see beyond these things to the undermining processes and activity which play a huge role in their conception. See buildings not just as this structure, but as an artist's canvas by which numerous expressions are made.

The somewhat gradual, almost slow pace of urbanization can pose a threat at times, in that the changes are not often stark enough to call for immediate analysis and rectification.Trinidadians have been described as inactive/passive, but this is not true, as we are a passionate and driven people. The problem however is that the voices of those negatively affected by urbanization are often ignored or disregarded. If we as citizens who might just be passing through and who would not therefore feel the full negative effects can now stop and analyze our urban environment, we can then lend our voices to the call for change. 

The city is bigger than us. And we are bigger than the city. " I can feel the city breathin, Chest heavin, against the flesh of the evening"

Creeping Upon Us: Where dat Building Come Out From?

Urbanization is a gradual process, which we often take for granted. Whether the effects of this process is positive or negative lies wholly in the position of the person involved; i.e. perceptions can and will differ due to numerous factors shaping actors. The idea of the urban as a "creep" can be presented, slow and steady at times, and at other times we might ask ourselves, "Since when dat build up so?!". This expansion of sorts is a key component in urbanization, and concerns both Urban Sprawl, as well as Gentrification. The former describes the tendency of urban communities not to remain within a specified boundary, but to expand over time aided by wealth creation, roadways, infrastructure and other catalysts. The latter, Gentrification, is described by Hall and Barrett as  how urbanization can convert working-class or vacant land within an already urban city, into urban features of middle class and/or commercial use . Eventually, the promise of wealth creation, coupled with the potential that such land would have, will cause the land to be "urbanized" for whatever means. Agents of Gentrification or pioneer gentrifiers can be represented by a "hip" generation that make these initial non-urban areas seem more and more attractive and often romantic (think coffee-shops, cozy areas).

Urban Sprawl is depicted within these pictures, and is indicative of not just the capital city Port of Spain, but also areas which are fast becoming centers of commerce and activity such as Chaguanas and San-Fernando. The houses on the hillside are a common feature and could be both squatter and also higher income persons, depending on the type of housing and structure of the houses. Squatters reside on the outskirts of urban hotspots such as hills, while the "rich elite" choose to construct on the hillside to potentially improve security and privacy. In addition, with prices of land at a premium within the city, it may be more cost effective to build on its outskirts. With this theory in mind, we can see how urbanization will cause an area to constantly expand, and also somewhat reflects components of Burgess' Model as well as the Sector Model, where a transitional movement of residents to the outer part of an urban commercial center is desirable and attractive. Imagine that there will ALWAYS be an outer area, obviously, and so there will be multiple outer areas over time, if that makes any sense. Lets say you build-up exactly on the boundary line, and then someone builds up behind you, outside the line. As a result of this, the line shifts and your neighbour becomes the outer. And then this process continues. This is also part of the reason why urban space in general is almost impossible to define within a boundary; it is ever shifting.

Pioneer Gentrifier at My Own Expense

We rented the old apartment for cheap change, 
At the time being run-down was all the rage
Seemed so hip, so cool , to invite all our friends
To paint on the walls, smoke joints, to live life like it would never end
The coffee shop down the road, it felt the same as home
Finally a reason to slow down our roam

The place became transformed, of romance and art
Then "they" came to tear us apart
Dollars in their eyes, New apartments reaching up to the skies
Rent on the rise,   What a surprise!
We started this revolution, changed perception,
Improved opinion and  Cultural recogniton
Now we've been forced out, the rent too high
The Urbanites take over,  They've come in on the sly

Pioneer Gentrifier at my own expense
Now they keep us out with cold bars and iron fences

Homeless: Sweep Them Under The Rug?

Now everyday that I walk outta my building,
I see homeless people sleeping and chillin' on the steps to the apartment that I live in.
I'm not saying everyone is a victim, but the people that I live would treat em more like villains then actual citizens.
I walk past a man laying in his own vomit, who gets his food and his garments by digging in the garbage-     ....
Now every face tells a different story, a different message.
Now how can we judge the book when we don't know the beginning.
We don't know what turned 'em to the bottle, or started injectin',
We just see dirty clothes and another bum beggin'
                                       
-                 Macklemore

Some of us would know Macklemore as the extremely popular rapper who popularized Thrift Shopping. However, in his song City Don't Sleep, the lyrics do describe quite accurately how urban dwellers perceive the homeless, especially without regard for them as human beings and all the while cultivating a misconception that all of the "vagrants, beggars and bums" have placed themselves in this position, and many of them deserve to be/ or are accountable for their own position. Lets face it, the common vision is that these people have become a nuisance, an eyesore and quite frankly should be removed. More emphasis is placed on sweeping them under the rug, or just simply transferring them to some type of special housing (often "Mad-housing" scheme), which in itself creates problems, stress and often does not provide any concrete solution to the actual issues faced by these homeless. When i was initially choosing a topic to do my blog, much thought was given to doing the entirety of the blog on the plight of the homeless, and in also obtaining viewpoints from other actors in urban space who interact with them. 

Concrete Bench, Cardboard Box, Newspapers

Frank awoke to the sound of pigeons, coo-cooing as they pattered around ungainly, pecking at specks of leftover chicken from the burst garbage bag that lay on the floor. The contents of the bag had been rifled through, rapidly and hungrily by the man that now lay there, aching and cold, with the sun finally providing some warmth, its rays directly prodding him in the face and urging him to get a move on before the homeowners saw him in front of their three story "summer" home. He stretched, yawning, breath as rancid as it could possibly get, and rolled off his back, throwing off the makeshift blanket of old newspapers. His once white vest, after weeks of being worn without removal, had a tinge of newspaper ink, coupled with various random food stains and something that vaguely looked and smelled like dog urine. "This was the life eh!", he thought sarcastically. What had gone wrong? Imagine he was once a rising star! Not of the Digicel kind, but a hotshot business-man who had completed his UWI degree with ease. Now riddled with holes from the needle, initially he was looked at with sympathy by his family, then as he became more distant they saw him with scorn, as a disgrace, and finally shunned by both those that he knew and now even people who did not know him, who only passed him as they commuted back and forth in the busy city. Never mind them, things were looking up! Mr. Moto, who had only just come to Trinidad, was giving him a fridge box, complete with all the amenities of bubble wrap and Styrofoam packaging (would make a real bess pillow!). Picture that as the height of luxury for this man; Sounds far-fetched, but such is the life of many of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Next thing Frank knew, he was being carted off to a institute constructed to help him mentally, against his will and surely ignoring the fact that he was completely and utterly sound of mind. A summit was to be held. Swept under the rug like some rubble; or more realistically swept into a straight jacket and "rehabilitated". 

This picture can be related to the previous post on security, with its extremely high walls and gate designed to protect inhabitants from the "other". The shopping cart, most likely stolen, does little to improve the image of this man and homeless persons in general; which is already quite bad to begin with. We must ask ourselves, how do these persons become like this? Is it through their own choice? What circumstances, financial, mental, physical, social, family, employment, previous housing etc. drives them to this point? The multiplicity definitely presents a major challenge which undermines an overarching question of whether housing is a right (personally, yes it is) and how such housing should be received and distributed. My viewpoint is that urbanization can serve to destabilize and steamroll a large number of inhabitants, and the conditions which it imposes further serve to exacerbate and create problems in housing, especially from a financial standpoint (how much better is living in urban slums? At least it affords SOME type of shelter and stability). Therefore, proponents of urban systems and construction need to address homelessness within urban areas not as an eyesore, but as something which was potentially and quite possibly created BY urban systems and hence must be properly cured by them, and not seen as something to be simply swept under the rug.









*Thx Niri

De Bandit Mentality- Us and the Other

            Take a good long look at this picture*. It certainly seems bleak doesn't it, with the dilapidated buildings taking the forefront, and the promise of majestic high rise buildings behind showing promise of development. This picture* encompasses many different facets of urban cities, most of which is inequality. However, what i wanted to describe is something that may have escaped your look from the start, and which would be a key concept in the construction of the we vs. them, us vs. the other mentality which is fueled by vast inequalities in urban conditions. The FENCE. Often we take such things as security for granted, view it as a necessity, to protect us from a whole number of things. In Trinidad and Tobago, urbanites alike will echo the same sentiment, "We protect what is ours". Just by taking a walk in wealthy urban areas such as St. Joseph will exemplify the lengths to which we as human beings who need security go about to achieve it. I have personally seen houses with more burglar proofing than walls (will try to get a picture), and the variety of security measures abound (think broken glass atop walls, fences, fences with barbed wire, walls higher than the house, house with windows that cannot open because of burglar proof, with windows that show nothing because burglar proof block it up completely, video cameras, watch-dogs, watch-cats, watch-parrots etc. etc.). How many of us have seen huge " Bad dog keep out signs" on gates, when we know by experience that the old tanty there never once petted a dog much less to have one as a deterrent to the criminal element.

       Certainly, crime is everywhere, and consequent crime fighting measures are everywhere. Barrett and Hall describe and outline gated cities which are formulated with a primary focus on ensuring the safety of the inhabitants.  However, in urban cities, such a phenomenon is exacerbated, and often romanticized. The idea of a criminal element is one which is perceived by higher status and  higher income urban dwellers to be of a certain type of person (often homeless) , regardless of that person's back story or true motives. Homeless people have been subjected to a wide variety of counter homeless security measures (broken glass, fences, cameras, spotlights, curved benches etc.) just to stop their very presence in an area. So much fuss is made about the other and keeping the other out that we tend to forget the one nation mentality and focus more not on assisting these people (who are often forced into these "abnormalities" by conditions imposed over history) but instead on making absolutely sure they do not affect or threaten us.


     Therefore, even as security is becoming a necessity (sometimes not to deter direct threats but instead to offer some piece of mind), we cannot allow the security measures that we put in place override fixing the actual criminal element within urban areas. What are we to do; Live in a bunker as crime increases, or instead make an attempt to solve the crime situation for the better? Surely some of us must have heard about "back in the days" when doors were left open during the night; maybe impractical but it represents a type of security (i.e. no security) which was afforded to persons. With the dawn of urbanization and the affluence attributed to urbanization, urban buildings and the inhabitants, it has become a problem as these areas are specifically targeted, but is increased security the solution? If we continue to think it is, the time will come when we as actors in this play of who has what and who wants what, will be hindered and negatively affected by the strict security measures that will have to be imposed.

Security of Mind 

Jane closed her car door, and stepped into the porch of her newly bought house. She fidgeted with her jacket pocket, trembling, fingers grasping the keys numerous times and releasing them in nervous bouts. A noise, "tick tock" from behind,  caused her to produce the keys in an instant, with a hurried glance back at the supposed bandit, her mind racing,  a feverish nightmare of dread. The key slipped as it found itself slowly towards the first lock of the burglar-proof, her hand growing sweaty, breath coming in quick bursts as the noise grew in tone, as the footsteps fell nearer and nearer to her. Finally! The click as the burglar proof gave way, swinging open and offering a welcome reprieve. "Who in their right mind told her to buy a house here?", she thought. A grand house, in the middle of an urban slum, surrounded by thieves, ruffians, bandits and badjohns! Jane had never once met these people, never even so much of a glance, but in her heart, she knew, knew that these others were up to no good, and they presented a threat to both herself and her possessions. That was why she had insisted on the burglar proof, which cost as much as a computer to install, never mind the security cameras, which dotted the house and captured every angle. So much money, but all for a worthy cause. She rushed into the space between the burglar proof gate and the door, swinging and shutting the burglar proof behind her. "Idiot! Now i'm trapped like a bird in a cage, i've still to open the door!". The man approached with a cautious tap on the iron monstrosity, "Good day madam, We as the neighbourhood association welcome you with a gift of a tasty cake!". Her breathing slowed, from a feverish pitch to something in between that and normality, and her cheeks showed her embarrassment. Surely this was a plot to get entrance to her home? But no, it was not, for with all the security of mind that her house promised, it served to only exacerbate her fears; She realized:

"Too much security can be a bad thing, as it restricts persons from experiencing the world in its entirety, and can construct perceptions and fears about people that are completely irrational and unfounded. Caution, yes, but with rationality"











*Thanks Hannah.

All The World's A Stage

                The following is a reflective piece on how we as people who represent actors on this world stage should experience the urban; not just as an environment with which we interact, but as a conscious decision making process where "what and how" we interact with certain urban features determines numerous things about the urban environment, future urban construction and within ourselves.

1. The top picture depicts the Majestically constructed NAPA, which is intended to house and display multicultural arts produced in Trinidad and Tobago. It has borrowed designs from numerous buildings in the global North, and is intended to revolutionize the arts and creative sectors within the country. This building is bordered by an equally known landmark, the Queens Park Savannah, which historically has been the epitome of cultural events. Has NAPA been built to alleviate pressures on the Queens Park Savannah, and related events such as Carnival Village etc.? Or is it contributing to the erasure of certain cultural practices in terms of architecture and what is considered art? Is such an erasure a bad thing or is it just a shift into something different and fresh with respect to artistic expression. If this seems a bit confusing, lets take it into the perspective of a local calypso artiste, who shall be called "Lord Irie Star".

NAPA v.s. De Savannah

They book me for a gig, on Saturday Night

The paycheck almost make me die of fright!

Savannah "art" they say, come down and show them how to spray;

Dread lyrics, i ready to mash up the place, doh mind the pay is a disgrace to meh face.

The Crowd gather there, vybzing real nice, but oh how it looking like 2-3 grain of rice;

 in a big pot

People so scarce and the time getting late, they start to slow clap, i awaiting my fate. 

The first missile they throw hit me in my ear, i say oh gawd, lemme get out of here!
Next place i play better be one of class, where they ready on time and people not my pelting my; Ass-umption i make, that NAPA crowd more civil, they go treat me right and i could actually make a living.

My agent, also known as me, call NAPA, beg them and beg them to accept this performer!

 Almost had to give them bribe, they finally tell me i could sing! Only during intermission Lord Irie Star could do he thing. 

They pay not much better, but it go work, to prance on that fancy stage looking like all the rage. 

Well first song i sing and the crowd dead dead, maybe my notes off, i feeling a sense of dread. 

 You see, the problem i had was thinking that NAPA was better than in Savannah.

But the truth is, they made for different  types of culture. Not better or worse, but just of a different type, to each his own, to a zebra his own stripe.

2. The consumption value of certain cultural stages and avenues is related greatly to patronage. What we as consumers frequent with respect to cultural events will dictate heavily what is presented and how it is presented. Every musician will say that his music is heavily influenced by his fans, and often what the fans want, they get, even if it is not the message that the performer agrees with. Similarly, if we view the world, or on a smaller scale, the urban, as a stage, and the builders and planners as performers, we can dictate and influence what future construction projects and planning projects are implemented. If we embrace the Queens Park Savannah as a cultural beacon, then it will remain a viable landmark, and will complement NAPA in addition to being treated better in terms of resource allocation and prestige status. Instead, therefore of just carrying about our lives and going with the motions, we should consciously think about how our interactions shape the urban landscape and use this knowledge to generate our own "architecture", simply based off of what is idealized as positive, playful, fun etc.      

   

Of Green Spaces, Aqua and "Counter-Urban" Aesthetics features

                      Picture a field of grass, pristine and shining with green life. Within this plushy meadow of sorts is a fountain, not of youth but of concrete and water pumped through the mouth of a concrete mermaid. Look beyond this man made spectacle to the trees planted there, more for their flowers and aesthetic beauty than for any fruit they could possibly offer; trimmed on a weekly basis and kept clean, free of litter and any other debris. As we zoom further out, a sense of gloom is imparted, as the circular meadow is shadowed by immense corporate towers and urban features of wealth and power. Imagine this, that such an oasis was intentionally constructed to both oppose and accentuate these buildings, as a sort of safe haven for the working class and elite. Maybe not even to occupy this green space, but to look down upon it every once in a while, to dream of lying in the meadow and of smelling the air which surely must be purer than that within the air conditioned towers. Similarly too we can view the construction of a boardwalk, and the view of an ocean blue. Psychologically there must be a reason for this, cynically we can highlight potential increased productivity and calmness of workers etc. but certainly, these green meadows and aquatic horizons offer a necessary sense of escape from what can be a seemingly gloomy urban lifestyle of industry. Can we ask ourselves, are we willing to accept such a rare and minute oasis or boardwalk view while concomitantly neglecting other aspects of environment for the construction of urban centers and buildings? Do we prize the aesthetics of constructed urban buildings on an equal scale or at an even greater scale over those provided by natural landforms?

1. These pictures taken represent, to me, an attempt to provide an aesthetically pleasing setting within an urban center. These features are designed to encourage both "play" in a city, which is a key aspect of everyday human life, as well as being "nostalgia" provokers, infusing emotion and memories of  citizens and which encourages enhanced mood, and consequently productivity of the workforce. Personally, if i was working in such a huge corporate tower, with a view of the ocean on a daily basis, there would be an added motivation for me to show up to work every morning; or at least to play hooky and sit on the benches all day.

2. Green spaces and similar features which are constructed within an urban city are often done so for a myriad of reasons. Recently, in Trinidad, we have experienced a resurgence of sorts of these types of architectural features, which enhance the "natural". This can be attributed partially to the effect that urbanization has on cities such as Port of Spain, where corporate towers and urban buildings sometimes clutter the landscape and concrete removes the green. Aesthetically intended green areas not only serve to increase motivation, reduce depression and encourage playfulness, but also positively contribute to the environment in the provision of certain services. Not only that, but they serve as an appealing lure to tourists, and even citizens, encouraging consumption in and near these areas. Hyatt's boardwalk is an example of such a feature, where it becomes beneficial to the hotelier to provide such a space. The Garden City, as described in Hall and Barrett, gives an idea as to the importance that such green spaces may have for locals, foreigners and most importantly to many, investment and increased interest. Studies conducted by Van Den Burg determined that green spaces somewhat attenuated negative impacts of stress in life and in work, improving the health of those involved. The perceived relationship with the growing number of cities (increased urbanization) and the subsequent separation and isolation from nature has fueled the construction of these urban green-spaces geared towards both mental and physical benefits for the populace.

                  
3. The following links describe the psychological effect that green spaces (and associated biodiversity) may have, and how they improve productivity as well as more importantly in mental health.

http://www.opengreenspace.com/opportunities-and-challenges/health/psychological/
http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_Mental.html

Traffic- An unintended consequence of Urban Form

This post aims to tackle the aspect of traffic generated from heavy prioritization of some urban cities as work-centers and centers of play. Some of the methods used to alleviate such traffic are highlighted, as well as the consequences of traffic on a personal and general scale. In large, Traffic refers to the transport route and efficiency of mobility within cities. It affects both privately transported citizens and those who use public transport. Cities are often described as having an urban form very closely and intimately related to modes of transport and mobility, but less attention is paid to the reverse of this; i.e. how do cities hinder transport and mobility in the form of traffic generated through overuse and overloading in densities of those who travel from one place to another.

 Some cities aim to alleviate the traffic menace through the use of certain incentives and deterrents. These include facilitating the flow of non-vehicular movement, such as bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, as well as the promotion of an adequately functioning public transport system of buses and taxis. Deterrents to private vehicular flow include strict clamping and towing laws, and even a network of roads which are routinely blocked off and converted to one-way lanes.

The Bottleneck Effect

The flow of traffic eased as the SUV entered the newly constructed four lane overpass highway. Such an invention enabled cars to space out, to unleash the hidden horsepower below the hood and to provide the brakes with a reprieve from the constant stopping and starting which plagued the drive thus far. The vehicle gaining and gaining speed, pushing the needle further upwards, with the man behind the wheel venting his frustration caused by the aforementioned traffic on the accelerator pedal. This sensation lasted  a full five minutes. That was all, until he reached the entrance to the urban city, where the four lanes miraculously merged into two, and the innumerable number of cars which had entered the mega-highway now became squeezed into two lanes, a bottleneck effect of sorts, and the traffic resumed, even worse than before and twice as difficult to maneuver through due to the layout of the streets within the city. 

1.  The top picture, taken at West-Moorings, shows an example of traffic conjured by too many persons needing to venture into an urban space for their daily activities of work, consumption and play. The picture below it depicts an overpass constructed which attempts to alleviate traffic that is leaving the city. While this overpass is a good idea, it does not solve the real problem, which lies in the cities themselves as hubs of activity that involve a large number of persons who rely on private transport due to the unreliability of a properly functioning public transport system, as well as the convenience that private vehicles afford.


2.
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2011/11/30/new-traffic-plans-next-monday

The link above relates to one of numerous attempts made by the government in their fight against traffic, and the lack of productivity and other negative effects which it brings.

Urban Commerce, Chic and Perceptions of Want

                     The idea of an urban city as a commercial hotspot of activity has been one of the foundation principles of past and recent studies. Many hold a view that some cities are majorly influenced by, and also exert influence on economic and commercial agendas of individuals. City economies are described in great detail within the textbook Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett. They outline not just a basic view of commercially driven cities, but give examples as to how such commercial functions have transitioned over the course of history. This blog entry is one of two which aims to tackle the issue of economic centers in urban cities- firstly from my standpoint as an individual who encounters these centers first-hand; while the second post will focus on the broader view of multiple economic centers within a city, how they are related to one another and those of other cities, and what their influence is upon a grander scale as opposed to singular individuals.

                   The concept of Urban Chic relates to something that is viewed to be "trendy". It does not simply apply to articles of clothing, but instead to anything that can represent oneself (even building form) and signify something about a person. In recent times, Urban chic has fulfilled differing roles; the primary role, as a symbol of self expression, and a somewhat more cynical role, where "consumerism" has encouraged some purchasing of "Urban Chic" goods to improve self image. This is where the Perceptions Of Want come into play: Systems of consumerism allow for the establishment of urban commercial centers which peddle goods to individuals who believe that they need the goods, when in actuality, the goods represent only wants. This paradoxical relationship also causes wants to become a need, whereby those who do not own such goods can often be overlooked or stigmatized. Confusing certainly, but quintessentially a feature of society which replicates over time in new but familiar forms.

The Shopping Plaza

      People shuffled past the moonlit plaza, its neon signs giving fierce competition to the naturalness of the starry night light. All the stores closed, but lights inside, electricity burning, burning like the desire of the window shoppers to obtain that new winter coat (Trinidad temperatures of 32 degrees celcius on average, but never mind, the Air conditioning was freezing, the remote didn't have any batteries) , that new pair of shoes (number twenty in the closet, heels like moko-jumbie stilts) , a new suede suit and a new lambskin belt (different from the regular belt in that its texture was sublime, as if the goal of the belt was not to hold up the new "trousers" but instead to be felt and enjoyed). The plaza exhibited its wares gallantly, each article and item carried with it a promise of confidence for the next day, at a price of course. The want machines that are human beings continued to shuffle past, some ambling, some leisurely walking, others flat out sprinting so as to avoid the call of the next best fashionable want. 
     The game played by the urban shopping plaza was one of comfort and enticement, its architecture itself as a lure, then the lure shrunk into storefronts, neon lights and smiling shopkeepers. Make no mistake, the goods were good, but how good could a good actually be for the good of a consumer?



1. The above picture, and the two below, were taken in the Valpark Shopping Plaza at night. It represents just one of numerous urban commercial centers that are established within Trinidad. While the outer building form is common of commercial centers, the inner structure (two below pictures) is a bit more differential, and the overall aesthetics aim to attract the majority of consumers. While Valpark is not the most major of commercial centers with respect to number of stores and variety of wares, it is indicative of a central area of activity, with its parking lots almost always full. Many of the goods on display are geared towards urban consumers, as well as those who are wealthy. Neighbouring settlements in Valsayn are highly urban and residents frequent this center.

2. Perceptions of want are the driving force for the profitability of these urban commercial centers. The need for newer and more encourage sales, as well as when items become more popular and are associated with the wealthy, urban elite which leads to the  purchasing of such goods to enhance image and status.
 While the tendency is to associate "wants" negatively, this is not at all the case. While there are some wants that can be seen to be somewhat pointless and purely to please others, often wants can improve quality of life, and also make life more enjoyable; wants only become a problem when they extend past a person's realistic budget and financial means.
  The integration of urban commercial centers within an urban community serves to increase city status, the wealth generated by certain individuals of the city, and such wealth may even be used in the betterment of the city. In some instances, the urban commercial center is the focal point and is often more recognized than the city.








3.  
     These links reflects one of the ideas of Consumerism; The first is a more analytical viewpoint, whereas the second is a satirical musical video on Consumerism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ29DQvopZo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGaOQKJik-s

Homogeneity, Is it plausible, possible, feasible and desirable?

          In recent times, scholars have begun to see homogeneity in two main forms; i. a positive utopian form where the removal of differences creates an even tighter network of global cities ii. a process whereby rich culture and heritage of certain areas are erased and replaced by global companies, and which negatively impacts locals. This draws the question as posed in the title: Is homogeneity really plausible, possible and feasible? That is, is it even likely to occur, especially in areas where culture and norms are the foundational root of its people. How easily can this transition be obtained, and over how much time? Surely the buildings can change, but not so much the day to day activities of its inhabitants. 
      The second question, which postulates if it is desirable, is the main theme of this blog post. We can see homogeneity taking shape within Trinidad, through international trade, as well as the shape and forms of newly constructed buildings. We must now ask ourselves, is this transition for the best? Or will it ultimately lead us to a fragmentation of culture where our identities as Trinidadians, and even self-identity, is compromised or forced to alter in some way to "keep up" with this cultural shift. 

One of Several "Megastores" within Trinidad

A Possible Scenario? Year 2100

From above, the country looked so vibrant, so colourful. The plane swooping down into the airport tarmac brought with it a cluster of tourists, eager to see the differential culture of Trinidad, and experience its wonders, including the famously home-cooked cuisine. The first night was spent in a hotel, almost exactly like the ones back home, thought Phillip. No matter, the next day promised to provide a surety of adventure. The cab hovered up at dawn, and they were off. He and his wife sat at either window, eager to see what Trinidad had to offer. The highway, lit with neon blue magnetically propelled the cars forward, at speeds that made it difficult to distinguish structure, everything a blur of paint-foreign made. 

It was only when the cab slowed as it reached the destination that Phil glimpsed the reality. The colours he espied from above? The main colours of corporate towers. The cuisine that they so desired? Branches upon branches of global fried chicken, too many to count, on every corner. Where was the culture, he wondered? How had Trinidad been reduced to this? The towering walls in a neighbouring village whispered the answer, angrily. There was no more of these; no room for "Aunty's Roti Shop" nor room for "The Magnificent Seven", especially with land at a premium. The children, no longer taught ABC's as Ant, Bat, Crab with the use of Boyo and Carla, but instead taught in a classroom with no teacher, just a video presentation OF a teacher. Of course the culture was gone. Hidden behind the freshly built walls, while the buildings which the walls were intended to mask crumbled in disrepair, housing the last few remnants of Carnival, of Old Mas and Kaiso, of "Aye Neighbour and Neighbour how yuh going?" and of taking credit at a shop when you forget your change. 

1. The picture taken represents just one of multiple different megastores within Trinidad, established by multinational companies. Currently, they are seen as positives- Convenient and often supplied by items that would be difficult to find elsewhere. However, one wonders whether over time, if the numbers of these would multiply and drive local hardware owners out of business.

2. The idea of homogeneity is certainly not all negative, and most definitely will be positive at some level. It is only when it begins to supersede a country's already existing cultural value that it begins to become a problem. While not all culture would seem important, and certainly some would be negative, culture must be understood as shaping the minds of Trinidadians, and in setting a template for what is the norms of right and wrong within it's people. Creativity steeped in this culture, the art and music which is housed within the body of Trinidadians, could be under threat by this transition towards homogeneity.
City and Regime in the American Republic by Elkin speaks of an alteration of civil liberties, and ponders whether homogenization will increase inequalities; i.e., those who do not subscribe to the process will be further viewed as "abnormal" than currently. In the scope of individual liberty, there is such a thing as too homogenous than what is desired. A link is also made to those of property rights within this process of homogenization; to what degree can a property owner resist this process, or even spread this process through the construction of a structure which models the modal, normative structure in the Global North.

3. http://www.quebecoislibre.org/11/111115-12.html 

The link posted aims to represent the perils of Cultural Homogeneity which is often a byproduct of homogeneity brought about by "development. These perils are outlined as:

a. Being Dictated by the government and not voluntarily embraced by those people within the culture (not just those who earn a living through the culture, as in musicians etc., but also those who experience the culture, as appreciators of the music etc.)

b. Homogeneity stifles progress and Innovation

c. Comes at a cost to those who resist it,through the imposition of penalties

d.Weakens Capacity for Argumentation and Critical Thinking.

INTRODUCTION TO HOMOGENEITY AND DISPARITY- With a sprinkle of individual actors
               
           The city and its urban form is a certain topic which is multi-faceted. There is no true perspective to view a city; each person's idea of what constitutes a city will differ with their theory of mind, agenda and backgrounds. Hence, this blog attempts to explain what, not just myself, but other actors with a city think of a city. This first post is of those who are undervalued in terms of power, The Builders.

A city is an expression of self,
Each individual building tells a story,
An artist of such merit, who paints with the fabric of concrete, board and brick,
A design proposed by the customer but brought to life by some builder named "Rick"

What was "Rick"s aim, did he feel no shame,
Building a house, as if he playing a game,
A window here, a window there,
Soon the structure resembled a wreck,
Money in hand, Rick did not care

Cares not for geography or form of city,
Nor for the dwellers in the street,
His focus only on the task at hand,
No thought to the inequality beneath his feet

View Of A Global North Resort from Above

One of the main actors in the urban script: The Builders

The builders are often underestimated when it comes to city form, and subsequent function. A body is not neutral, and often, a building can reflect the builder, for better or for worse. How does a builder, as this chief actor, think of a city? Does he see promise for finance? Or instead empty space upon which to leave his mark and legacy?

"Rick" the builder draws inspiration from many forms, but the majority of his clientele prefer a dwelling which mimics the perceived towers of wealth and status that originate from the Global North. This cycle of text and expression represents a discourse that is perpetuated by the Global North which even now still affects those who aim to settle in urban centers. The ideology, that bigger is better, leads to a style of housing which is similar in form and structure to those in the "better world". We ask ourselves, how much of this is truly necessary? In time, it is believed, that our newly, up-and-coming urban areas will be almost indistinguishable from others.

This belief, while seemingly possible, understates the true form of a city to simply structure. Such is not the case, as while structures may become indistinguishable (think slides in class which made it difficult to pinpoint a city), the processes, actors and functions of the city will be wholly different.

i. The reflection being done is upon the photo in the center; i.e. of the Builder's Base. From my perspective, i interact with this builder generally daily (my neighbour), and it always interested me as to how he goes about his work. Mostly because, it seems his entire day is spent moving trucks and equipment from one spot in the lot to another plot. Nonetheless, i chose this picture because, to me, it epitomizes a disparity occurring within Trinidad, born out of financial status and social status.  The structure next to the blue truck is meant to become a simple housing plot for some of the workers. Imagine the difference in style of housing from one to the other, and what makes it even more interesting is that the actors are the same (the builders) but the form and function of the structures they build versus the structures they reside in are worlds apart. 

Transition into an Urban form which "Mimics"

ii. As this first post focuses more upon the individual buildings instead of the city which they altogether compose, we draw reference to Hall and Barrett's readings, which state that there is an idea of fragmentation, which arises where a city is seen to be more chaotic in structure, fragmenting into a series of independent settlements, economies and cultures. For me, this is a key aspect, because it is possible to see how the "micro" scale individuality of each person's abode, coupled with their socio-cultural jumbling of mind, and whatever agenda they may carry, can influence a city form. A city thus is not overtly planned, but instead composed of both planned (usually by the actors who were key individuals and gatekeepers- also stated by Hall where the idea that power and class played "second fiddle" to these individuals who could implement barriers to resources, as well as excluding and including certain types of people) and unplanned settlement. *Cities as systems of cities within systems of cities*
Knox and Pain talk of Globalization, Neoliberalization and international homogeneity in architecture and urban development. This stresses a tendency towards homogeneity as "a result of the combination of several factors: Market liberalization (Capital), International Migrations, Cultural Globalization, Urban Entrepreneurial ism, and changes within architecture and planning. These points shall be expanded upon in the second post, titled Homogeneity, Is it plausible, possible, feasible and desirable?

This final link iii. is one which i believe reflects disparity between builder and client- most notable seen in the conditions of migrants who work as labourers building homes

http://www.groundup.org.za/content/immigrants-accuse-construction-company-abusive-labour-practices

*These pictures were all taken by me; The first a couple years ago on a hot air balloon ride in Florida
The second two more recently. The time gap also shows how the homogenization of areas occurs as a process as opposed to an immediate "oh leh we jus build it like dem" mentality.