Postmodern Urbanism Defining postmodern the contemporary movement of

Postmodern Urbanism

Defining postmodern the contemporary movement of thought which rejects totalities, universal values, grand historical narratives, solid foundations to human existence and the possibility of objective knowledge. Postmodernism is sceptical of truth, unity and progress, opposes what it sees as elitism in culture, tends towards cultural relativism, and celebrates pluralism, discontinuity and heterogeneity (Eagleton, 2003: 13, note 1) Rapid technological change … shifting political concerns, … the rise of social movements especially with a gender, green, ethnic, racial focus … But the question is even bigger: is modernity itself … disintegrating, including the whole grand edifice of Enlightenment world-views? Is a new type of society appearing, perhaps structured around consumers and consumption rather than workers and production? (Lyon, 1999: ix)

What is it then? • A new way of looking at urban space with postmodern ideals… • • • Gentrification Historic Preservation Postmodern architecture Mixed Use Development Exurban development – suburbia in cities

• In attempt to enhance cities as places of consumption, cities support development of festival marketplaces and other ‘tourist’ attractions. • Suburban areas no longer primarily residential and, in fact, are creating new densities with functions competitive with central business district.

• Edge Cities • Has more leasable retail space than liveable • Has more jobs than bedrooms • Is perceived by the population as one place • Was nothing like “city” as recently as thirty years ago

• Master Planned Communities • Features: “a definable boundary; a consistent but not necessarily uniform character; overall control during the development process by a single development entity; private ownership of recreational amenities; and, enforcement of convenants & restrictions by a master community associations. ”

Responses to postmodern urbanism • Community – ‘Neo-traditionalism’; local references, increased interaction • Environmental Critique – Pedestrian & transit orientation; Anti-sprawl w/higher densities • Market Niche – expensive master planned communities; ‘gentrification’

Birmingham as Postmodern City • B’ham previously though of as ‘non place’, defined by motorways and postwar modernist architecture

• Regeneration came about not so much as planning and building but attempt to use culture to drive symbolic economy • Use of arts, flagship architectural projects and shopping precincts • City centre rebuilt in ‘quarters’ favouring pedestrianisation as effort to undo motorway city image • Connection now to consumption

• • • Brindley place Mailbox Custard factory Fort Dunlop Selfridges

• Regeneration is signifier of new and promotable image for city • Peoples image of city changes to that of community space • Questions arise about who’s image is being portrayed? Urban regeneration is important but what about access, true representation of all classes, citizenship and belonging. – Who’s B’ham is it? • Are the various images of it authentic?

Sample Exam Question • It has been argued that places and spaces ‘speak’ to us in ways which reinforce our cultural identity. Drawing on contrasting examples, critically evaluate this view of places and spaces