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Explore the role of architecture in post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building, with examples, discourses, and practices. Can architecture foster unity and create a peaceful, integrative society?
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ARCHITECTURE OF PEACE? June 9 Prof. dr. Gerd Junne gjunne@inter.nl.net
Architecture of peace • Post-conflict “reconstruction” • Three encounters • What is the opposite of “Herrschaftsarchitektur” ?
Rebuilding is not enough • Rebuilding has to be “conflict sensible” and • not to give a strategic advantage to one side • not to repeat unequal distribution of infrastructure • not to advantage local warlards or mafioso construction companies • but still care for local employment, - equally distributed…
BONDING vs. BRIDGING ? • Does more bonding social capital (relations within homogeneous groups) lead to more bridging social capital (cutting across social cleavages), by • Providing a support system inside a community that can become a springboard for engagement in society at large and • Fostering civic skills, such as compromise, open debate, tolerance, and the institutionalisation of social ties ?
Bonding vs. Bridging II • If bonding social capital stimulates bridging social capital, then should we focus less on bridging divides and look first at the dynamics (radical, moderate/ inclusive, exclusive) inside communities?
Reconstruction • Precondition: a very careful political, economic, social and geographical analysis
www.netuni.nl The Network University (TNU)
Architecture of Peace in rebuilding war-torn societies • Examples ? • Thinkers ? • Sites? • Discourses? • Practices?
How can • Emergency settlements • Public buildings • Urban planning • Landscaping • Public Space • contribute to a more peaceful, integrative society ?
What makes a difference for Peace Building ?
II. Three encounters • With Hubert-Jan Henket (Den Bos) • With Romi Khosla (Delhi) • With Steve Davis & Phil Myrick (PPS)
“It is not easy for us, living in an age of fragmentation, individualization and globalization, to recall what it was really like 50 years ago, when an optimistic mood and social progress were the driving forces in society.” (Henket, p. 9)
“Particularly in North-West Europe, architects felt a strong sense of social responsibility, in that architecture should raise the living conditions of the masses.”(Henket, p. 10)
“universal modernism has been identified with the belief in linerar progress, absolute truth, rational planning of idal social orders…” (Harvey) “Fragmentation, distrust of all universal ‘totalizing’theories and the rediscovery of pragmatism are the characteristics of post-modern thought. (Henkete, 12) Modernism vs. Post-modern thought
“Whereas we have been analysed and taught extensively in the recent past about ourselves as individuals, we have neglected to think about ourselves as members of collective groups, the relationship between groups and our social responsibilities.” (Henket, 14)
“We as architects are now scarcely involved in a broad intellectual debate about what is necessary to create collective groups with communcal and sustainable reponsibility” (Henket, 15)
“As architects we cannot solve the big social political and cultural issues of our time. But we can contribute to progress with our specifc expertise, namely creating ideas and getting them realized.” (Henket,15)
“Which profession could, by its very nature, be more capable of creating social cohesion, of providing a sense of homecoming, of building sustainable communities, than architecture.” (Henket, 15)
Does architecture inspire creativity? Business Week, February 24, 2003, p. 32
Modern vs. traditional In many conflicts, the modern vs. traditional dimension - town vs. countryside - plays a crucial role (Bosnia, Macedonia, Cambodia) Some architects succeed in combining the two, such as the Egyptian Hassan Fathy. Can this contribute to overcome the political divide as well ? Voorbeeld Sarajevo toevoegen
“Seldom does the design for the new public space focus on the interfaces or intersections of the various landscapes” Maarten Hajer, Arnold Reijndorp – In Search of New Public Domain, 2001, p. 81
Architecture has always been used by the rulers To intimidate the ruled, To demonstrate richness and power
Is there also a way in which architecture can be used to demonstrate unity, to invite cooperation, to fight segregation, to foster common identity ?
Beyond the symbols … Post-conflict architecture in South Africa Constitutional Court on the ruins of the old Fort in Johannesburg
But are the messages understood? What is the real impact on people?
Do the buildings have an effect on people, or is it the human activity amidst the buildings that sticks ?
“What are the characteristics of ‘good’ public space? To what extent can good public space be artificially created?” Maarten Hajer, Arnold Reijndorp – In Search of New Public Domain. Analysis and Strategy, NAi Publishers, Rotterdam, 2001, p. 7 & 70 (foto)
