Modern-day Urbanism
Urbanism is phenomenal, with a significant impact on human civilisation and societies. Successful urbanism fosters economic growth, enhances the quality of life and prolongs human civilisation.
Moreover, developers and local authorities must strive to reconcile the current demands with future generations’ needs, which increasingly requires us to adopt a long-term vision and envision fundamental changes to improve efficiency, avoid resource exhaustion and tackle social inequality.
Furthermore, the cause of the fall and demise of ancient societies is a confluence of challenges and factors. For example, the collapse of Mayan civilisation is linked to several factors and remains a subject of debate. However, deforestation on Easter Island famously went to the point of unsustainability, which led to population decline. Additionally, the bubonic plague that struck the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and the similar event that ravaged Europe in the mid-14th century all indicate that the environment plays a crucial role in human civilisation.
Early societies lacked the institutions, tools, mechanisms, experience and science to withstand environmental challenges and natural disasters or mitigate the effects of conflicts. Today, despite advancements and better living standards, natural disasters, conflicts, and criminal activities are becoming more frequent, widespread, and severe. The surge in displacement, intra-state active wars, supply chain disruptions, violence and civil unrest are evident. In this context, we must carefully consider the role of urbanism in building resilience to keep societies functional and protected.
While there have not been fundamental changes since the inception of modern-day societies, we have observed the negative consequences of urbanisation. For instance, concentrated populations can exacerbate social and environmental problems, implying that a one-size-fits-all approach to urbanism has not been the answer.
The lessons of the past are clear: civilisation depends on visionary leaders and resourceful and prosperous societies. Consequently, futuristic urbanism will offer a powerful tool to ensure survival and achieve economic success and prosperity.
Population Concentration
From Fields to Skyscrapers: The History of Urbanism
Urban planners play a pivotal role in creating societies and shaping the trajectory of human civilisation. However, like other advancements and developments, modern urbanism and urbanisation weren't driven by a single individual or factor but rather by a confluence of thinkers, inventors, environmental changes and social movements.
Historically, the rise of factories in the 18th and 19th centuries created a massive demand for labour. People flocked to cities for jobs, which contributed to rapid urban growth. Moreover, developments like railroads and steamships made it easier and cheaper to move goods and people, further accelerating urbanisation.
Furthermore, improved sanitation and medicine in the 19th century reduced mortality rates and led to population growth that cities absorbed. Additionally, reformers like Octavia Hill (1838-1912) in the UK and Jane Addams (1860-1935) in the US advocated for improved living conditions in crowded urban areas. They successfully introduced policies like zoning and sanitation infrastructure. Simultaneously, visionaries like Sir Ebenezer Howard (1850-1928)- (Garden Cities movement) and Le Corbusier (1877-1965)- (Modernist architecture) laid the groundwork for designing and planning modern cities.
Sir Ebenezer Howard, for instance, envisioned a utopian city where residents coexisted harmoniously with nature. He pioneered the garden city movement, inspiring numerous housing developments during the First World War in the UK and Europe. Similarly, a prominent Spanish town planner, Arturo Soria y Mata (1844-1920), introduced the concept of a linear city to organise urbanisation. His vision entailed a calculated expansion, facilitating rational connectivity. Soria's plans featured a long central boulevard adorned by surrounding woodlands. Other urban planners and architects of the era, such as Mikhail Okhitovich, also prioritised convenience, aesthetics, mobility, and disurbanism.
Smart Cities vs. Futuristic Urbanism
While new technologies underpin the development of smart cities, the main driving forces behind the rise of smart cities are non-governmental actors and governments. Nonetheless, resource scarcity, population growth, environmental issues, crimes and conflicts demand change and transformation. However, internal conflicts, short-term political careers, public demand, and uncontrolled social movements have led to seeking immediate results or making hasty conclusions. Therefore, it is imperative to raise public awareness, redefine archaic notions and concepts and modernise outdated practices in line with long-term visions, allowing forward-thinking entities and nations to distinguish between smart cities and futuristic urbanism. The purpose is to avoid resource exhaustion.
Natural Disasters
Numerous cities are located on tectonic plates, built near active volcanos or on coastlines and flood plains, making them more vulnerable to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods. A highly concentrated population in such areas can magnify the impact of natural disasters.
Cultural clashes
Competition for resources and dominance, disagreements among identities and ideologies and struggle to maintain local cultures and heritage heighten tensions within densely populated areas. Moreover, demographic changes and subcultures are considerable sources of friction in urban areas, leading to social unrest or conflicts
Resource Strain
While concentrated populations might have contributed to a more efficient distribution of resources and access to services, environmental degradation and security remain challenging, notably during catastrophic events and conflicts.
Disease Outbreak
The 1918–1920 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic, are stark reminders of how quickly illnesses can spread in urban environments.