The Globalization of Architecture: The Struggle for Historical Preservation in Manila and Shanghai

1. Pudong, Shanghai “’Creative Destruction’ maintains that in order for this evolution to occur, new ways must emerge, be proven superior, and replace the old ways. Consequently, capitalism acts as a method of economic change that revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one while relentlessly creating a new one.” – German economist Joseph Shumpeter Manila skyline Sourcehttp://www.romazsch.de/china/fotoalbum.htm Source http://www.vikochka.com/philippines/manila.jpg The Globalization of Architecture: The Struggle for Historical Preservation in Manila and Shanghai Manila is so “enamored” with the American idea of constant change as a symbol of urban progress so most of the city has “re-invented their original character.” The Globalization of a city is often reflected in the variety of restaurants, the language, the clothing worn by its citizens…and in many cases in a city’s architecture. Manila, Philippines and Shanghai, China are two examples of cities that are struggling to retain their rich cultural traditions while embracing new economic opportunities. In each city one can find examples of historic landmarks that have been altered to house shopping malls or movie theaters, ancient ruins and sky scrapers side by side, as well as new buildings in the traditional architecture next to buildings with a more “international” flair. Some citizens feel that the preservation of their cultural identity is paramount, however others feel that the sacrifice is worth the economic expansion and revitalization that often comes with newer, bigger buildings and housing projects. The threat of cultural extinction may not prove to be serious enough to deter cities with a serious desire to become economically powerful world players. Intramuros Golf Course Source www.philtourism.com Manila has also attempted to preserve historic structures by turning them into shopping complexes or restaurants. The desire is not to just preserve, but to redevelop Manila into the “living, throbbing city that is once was.” Remaining gate of the former Ningbo Guild Hall Source Disappearing Asian Cities, William S. Logan, p. 32. Night in Shanghai Source http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai Busy Street in Bund Source Michael Bradshaw Fort Santiago Today Source www.cityofmanila.com.ph Historical bridge World War II damage: American tank breaking through Fort Santiago Gate (erected sometime in the late 17th century) Sourcehttp://chinaguides.shanghai-window.com Source Disappearing Asian Cities, William S. Logan, p. 16. Pudong waterfront, dominated by the ‘Oriental Pearl’ tower Source Michael Bradshaw Intramuros Today Source www.tourguide.com Shanghai Yuhan Gardens Source http://www.westutravel.com British and French settlements in Shanghai during the 19th Century have had somewhat of an impact on the city of Shanghai, but the city’s planners prefer to think of Shanghai as a very distinct and cultural city. However the most impact that any other country as had on Shanghai is clearly the United States and western culture in general. The American and European educated planners attempted to portray the “new state sovereignty” and reflect the “ambitious political aims held by the state” in their design of the city. In the years following 1927 “The Greater Shanghai Plan” laid out the city using western ideas, however Shanghai still has an extensive number of historical Protection Zones. Intramuros Today “The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by finding ways to make use of them for some socially useful purpose. Such adaptive re-use is therefore desirable, but it must not change the layout or decoration of the building. It is within these limits only that modifications demanded by a change of function should be envisaged and may be permitted.” Article 5 of the Venice Charter (1964) Int’l Committee on Monuments and Sites Source www.philtours.com The Chinese government has been somewhat vigilant in the preservation of Shanghai’s historical buildings and landmarks as well as the surrounding areas. (see map at left) However, because of the rapid economic rise in Shanghai and the desire for more money and business to flow through the area, it has become increasingly difficult for the government to preserve certain areas that could be developed and sold for business purposes. Manila Traffic Manila street Source http://www.rufer.net/Bilder%20Manila/Manila%20Traffic.jpg • Manila’s Goals for the Preservation of the Historic area known as Intramuros: • The Preservation, development, and administration of mjaor cultural landmarks within Intramuros for the perpetuation of Filipino heritage and national identity • The recognition that Intramuros is a priceless reminder of the past and a major historical landmark of the Philippines • The necessity of restoring Intramuros, in order to enhance the national historical consciousness programme. • (Intramuros Administration, Rules and Regulation Governing the Development of Intramuros, Manila, 1981) Source http://digilander.libero.it/greatwall4/Fotografie/manila%2011%20big.jpg The city of Manila has been greatly influenced by other countries’ cultures and architecture throughout its history. The Spanish built Intramuros in the late 16th Century as the center and symbol of Spanish power in the Philippines. Even today, it has remained as a symbol of Manila’s Spanish heritage and currently the most preserved historical part of the city. Manila was also influenced by Chinese art and design through trade with the country. Perhaps the greatest influence currently however, is the United States. Gated communities, skyscrapers, and a constant desire to raze and rebuild are several examples of American influence infiltrating the city of Manila. Although Intramuros is viewed by many Filipinos as “their national heritage symbol,” the revitalization project in Intramuros has fallen short of the goal to build a historically accurate recreation of Intramuros and to draw businesses and activity to the area once again. Manila is struggling with what to preserve, and what to essentially “give up on” in the name of progress and economic success. Map of Shanghai’s Historical Zones Source Disappearing Asian Cities, William S. Logan, p. 25. Celeste Jalbert Geography 801.11 Cities in a Globalizing World Professor Chacko Fall 2004 Shanghai Street Source http://www.thebeijingcenter.org