Implied Democracy or Applied tyranny by Architecture: Who Designs Unity or Fragmentation?
Aleppo City
The AHRA Research Student Symposium 2022
University of Westminster
"Voices in Architecture"
The city serves as a mirror of societal dynamics, whether neighbourhoods are homogeneous or diverse. Can we decipher societal realities through neighbourhood examination? Who holds the reins of design - society or individuals? Is it crafted for collective benefit or individual expression?
This reflection prompts us to ponder the influence of architecture and urban planning on perpetuating social stratification, class biases, and elitism that marginalise vast segments of society, monopolising design decisions. Historic cityscapes, often shaped collectively, exude simplicity outwardly while fostering communal prosperity within. Conversely, modern cities exhibit a dearth of such spatial equity, favouring opulent individualism, resulting in disparate treatment among residents.
Who historically oversaw planning and design? Who determined societal representation architecturally? Do contemporary architects and planners, often deemed an "elite," disregard societal voices in city-building? Could involving society in decision-making foster a more just architecture and urban planning, emancipated from designer elitism and monopolies?
