Local Identity and Globalization - Essay Example

?Is it still possible to embrace local identity in the face of globalization? An introduction: Local identity is really in danger. It is not only difficult but somehow impossible to sustain local features in any field, whatever form of art it may be – music, painting, poetry, literature, or architecture. There is a similarity lies in all sphere irrespective of local characteristics. If someone tries to find out the reason the answer will be one single phenomenon called globalization. Globalization is no natural phenomenon, but a human one. It concerns culture, it concerns human beings along with everything they live with. Media and internet has brought the world to the corner of your drawing room. It has erased the boundaries of all countries in a wide sense of the term. Through the process of globalization, the world is becoming a global village, irrespective of physical borders and boundaries. There is nothing “local” rather everything is turning out to be as “glocal”. At the same time, this is also true to embrace certain qualities for very local. New technology and new concepts have brought revolution in terms of holding the term for future. Something unique from the past decade, which are about to extinct can be sustained with new equipment. Such heritages can be immortalized with the help of new technology and concepts. Some “glocal” effect can be there once they have the touch of new innovation. But there will be no effect in its local identity. In fact, localized version can get immortality through the hands of globalization. Let’s try to explore the possibilities of sustaining local identity in the face of globalization. Basics of Architecture Architecture-the art or may be called the science of designing physical constructions, may be buildings and other several structures. It is not just putting some bricks one upon other but the job of an architect incorporates rendering services from a very professional perspective in designing and constructing a building, or may be some extension of the construction that can be used for human occupancy purpose. An architect can describe or “read” any construction in the most methodical way. A study of architecture includes style, method of design and constructional details of a building or may be some other physical structures. Designing a building means everything from micro to macro level. This is both the process and designing plan incorporating all structural, technical, social and aesthetic considerations. In wider definition, it also gives creative level of manipulation and a brilliant coordination between light, shadow, material and technology. Any type of work of art is a piece of architecture. Even remaining extinct architectural constructions are one of the perfect sources to draw history. They exist with all nostalgia of past decades. Any piece of good architecture must continue with three basics, durability, utility and beauty. Cost effectiveness is another term mostly related in the theory of architecture in recent era. Any architectural design has some influence of political, social and religious conditions. The process of designing a construction then can be recognized as problem solving one (Ching, F., 2007). A simple study of ancient architectural constructions can show some specific examples of such influences in the construction. Even Egyptian architecture bears proved testimony of divine and supernatural influence. Many constructions show influence of political power in a very prominently. Emperor of different decade in various regions took initiative to build certain forms so that generations can remember their power. Almost all the famous architectural constructions on this planet have some such kind of nostalgia. Architecture is a fusion of beauty in terms of proportion and ornamentation. Definitely, it is a form of art but its root lies in the need and means of mankind. Through the passage of time, human need and desires have changing and accordingly, the form of architecture also changes. It falls under the tag of “fine arts” that appeal most to the human eye (Rasmussen, S., 1972). People judge a piece of architecture from its external appearance but actual calculation and excellence lie in the basic drawing and implementation. After a deep study of plans and elevations, an architect constructs a good building. Modern Architecture: Influenced By Globalization Or Not? The emerging knowledge in the contemporary era, and the revolutionary equipments of new technology have brought a huge change in the architectural field. With the rising revolution in the field of architecture, in perspectives of ideas and technological advancements, this genre constructional art has concentrated more on the human aesthetics. Specifically through the rise of globalization, a science of architecture has also integrated in a global network. A stern similarity is visible enough almost all new constructions all over the world have something similar in basic design. Just like any other field, globalization has integrated the basics of architecture as well. New technology helps architects to design complicated forms and specs using computers that make the process easier than the previous days (Gomez. A, 2003). Though it is a fact that there is a boundary and the architect has to be confided within that sphere. The application of computer technology has made the whole process easier in comparison with the age old utilitarian methods of architecture. Recent software packages are capable enough to generate novel designs. They are able enough to format unimaginable geographic designs. Such once structurally sound elements are now being used with successful implementation. Modern architecture through the hands of globalization speaks for all and there is no such boundary to restrict. Undoubtedly, it is beneficial to invent more and more programs to draw innovation in architectural field. At the same time, it is also a factor that there is a similarity lies in the whole concept. As the computer technology belongs to virtual world. There is no such local feature incorporated. Just in the same manner, the result of such a technology does not have any local signature in it. It is impossible to distinguish through the modern architectural structure about the region. There is no such distinctive feature lies in the basic design at all that help to identify the locality. Globalization brings immense inventions in terms of electronics, plastics, communications, metal, glass, chemical and others making everything within single local sphere. This is the period of innovations and inventions altogether. The huge development in every sphere has increased general concept of architecture. As the need of the mass varies, the concept of architecture also changes. Architecture is no more ceased within its limited boundary in building construction rather it has a wide range of meaning incorporating developments in new facilities and transportation as well (Sebestyen. G, Pollington. C, 2003). Even new technologies have brought out some innovative concepts and materials to restore ancient form of architecture. Such renovations are also part of post modern architectural study. The concept of architecture, undoubtedly, has a wide range of meaning in recent days. It is not only confided within the concept of designing a building or any physical subject. At the same time, any kind of renovation or maintenance also stands under modern architecture. To sustain heritage architectural forms some new and technological updated concepts are applied and they are highly praised. There is no such question of local identity loss have risen as they are just some extension or renovation with modern concept. They have become the part of new architecture though they have not lost old and local identification of their previous decade. New technology and concept are capable enough to sustain old plethora. They are not conceptually modified but just technically updated in terms of extension and maintenance for the need and demand of the mass, which is the basic root of architectural constructions. Just some improvisation can never hamper the local identity whereas can sustain the construction as priceless heritage. How Far New Concept Of Architecture Matters For Humanity? This planet is enriched with a number of architectural heritage constructions. They all are precious examples of the enriched past of this planet. They matters a lot to discover certain unknown facts of humanity. Some of them have tremendous religion impact on humanity whereas others may have some ethical value. Whatever the value may be but they are just priceless for humanity to run long. Such architectural constructions have some role. For the need and demand of mankind they need to be renovated or may improvised with the modern tools of architecture. Let’s discuss with two comparative studies from architectural point of view about the effect of modern technologies. What Happened With the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Medina and Alexandria’s New Library in Egypt? As discussed earlier, most of the ancient architectural constructions have some kind of nostalgia that may be some religious or may be some kind of precious ethical value. The Prophet’s holy Mosque in Medina is the second largest one in this world from the holy perspective among Muslims. This place is recognized as the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad. Actually the original mosque was not so big and it did not have wide space as well. But the ratio is very high in terms of devotees. Many Muslims visit this place as this is the second largest mosque after Mecca. There is a stern need to expand the space so that more and more people can be accommodated. More and more people can forward their pray within the single roof. Just because of this demand, this place was extended and the original one exists only in a very little portion of the mosque. Extensive renovations took place for the benefits of pilgrims and worshippers. The architecture is now completely air conditioned and marble floored. The extension process has installed 182 umbrellas so that the worshippers do not suffer from the scorching heat of the sun. They can completely concentrate on the prayer. The modern architectural concept has made this possible to provide shade for the Muslim worshippers. The new construction can accommodate almost 70,000 people. This was a multi-billion modernization program and this is succeeded in the true sense of the term. The roof has been extended up to 60,000 thousand square meters at the central prayer area and another 86,000 square meter was attached surrounding the area. Undoubtedly, this is the triumph of sensitive architectural concept, may be a result of globalization without affected the local identity of the mosque at all. The seven soaring white stone manatees have already joined by two more. The entrance is also upgraded with 18 different entrances to accept the flow of pilgrims. This is recognized as the finest example of craftsmanship along with 500 marble columns on the ground floor (Saudi Arabia to expand Prophet’s Mosque, web, 2005). With the help of impressive high technology such brilliant renovation has taken place. The construction may have some similarities with several others architectural construction of the recent decade, for example the concept of umbrella has some similar perspective like the Alexandria’s new library in Egypt. Both have in mind about the comfort ability of the worshippers and the readers and follow the same pattern of conceptual construction but this does not hamper the local identity at all. One could not say that this unique but at the same time, this is also not possible to say that this resembles that. The construction is similar just because of the purpose is similar. Such similarity may be the effect of “glocal” factor but this does not affect the unique identification of each place. Even the service of tunnels and drainage system are also not so unique but this does not hamper the identity at all. These are some important parts to continue with a flawless service. The convertible shade roof of both the architectural constructions is the proofs of two unusual successful challenges (Climate-Control Parasols for the Extension to the Prophet's Holy Mosque, web,). They are exceptional but they are not unique. Not only for these two but such constructional of roof can be noticed some other places as well. Even for any shopping complex or roof cafeteria such concept can be used. In that case, the identification question can raise but that has nothing to do with local identity. Somebody can say that this is similar to that. Comparison can be done but that does not raise any question on identity. No such similarities can take away the religious identity of the mosque and the ethical value of a library. Whatever the construction may have some similarities but there is stern difference lies in the basic ambience. The 11 floored library is unique in the whole world having total area of 280,200 square feet area (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, web). Nature and Technology-Influence and Counterinfluence: Another comparative study can be made between Taj Mahal and organic architecture of this recent decade. Taj Mahal is a wonderful piece of architecture from the ancient days. Still its construction is a wonder for all, the design and scientific structure surprise people all over the world after so many years of its construction. Each and every corner of this architectural wonder has something to mesmerize the visitors and the searchers. People study a lot and explore a lot about the architectural factors. This architectural replica carries the sign of eternal love story of Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz. Not only the decoration but each and every carving is unique and there is no other replica of such craftsmanship. Taj Mahal is really a wonder. Specifically for the architectural students, this is a great piece of work to study. But this beautiful work of art is facing a tremendous threat from pollution. The crystal white marble of this monument is becoming yellow day after day. The process is not a slow one. Due to the acid rain it is getting affected at a huge rate. Though architects have brought out with some remedy and a process of renovation is going on to restore the glory of this monument. Apart from several regulations related with pollution act surrounding the area of Taj Mahal, modern architectural development has another method to restore the beauty. Multani mitti (holy soil) is being used for the facelift of this wonderful monument (Multani mitti facelift for Taj Mahal, web). This is a project of Rs 28 lakh to renovate this ancient piece of architecture that carries the message of eternal love. Modern development and new technology help to save the glory of an ancient priceless piece of architecture. Lot of experiments in the laboratory has proved that multani mitti can really help a lot in order to clean this monument. This helps in the process of restoring the losing glory of the monument. Globalization does not affect the local identity rather helps a lot to restore the ancient value of such a monument. Rather the phenomenon called globalization has brought out this time tested method to restore white beauty of the monument. When nature is a threat to the ancient creation, new technology helps to restore the asset. The threats of nature can be easily ignored after a certain period of experiments in the laboratory. New technology and concepts rescues Taj Mahal from the threat of marble cancer (Pollution Threatening The Taj Mahal, web). At the same time, organic architecture is an excellent piece of scientifically study in the post modern period that it adds new dimensions of sophistications and utilities to raw natural resources. This is an innovative philosophy of architecture promoting harmony between human habitation and natural world. This is a kind of designing process to improvise natural sources. This technique of architecture enhances the beauty of nature in several resources. Organic architecture means bio-architecture on other terms (Senosiain, J., Haro, F, Fuentes O, 2005). Nature is the basis of its design and all mechanism creates something very beautiful and the whole surroundings are considered as the equipments of this type of architecture. The science of architecture is multi faceted but the most sophisticated wing is this organic architecture. It deals with natural resources and there is nothing better than the process of beautification of natural resources. The case of Taj Mahal tells the story of new technology helps to restore ancient form of architecture and the concept of organic architecture tells the story how new technology helps to beautify natural resources. This type of architecture deals with the complexity of nature making it more beautiful. The Falling water is the most honest example of organic architecture. This is the house of designed natural resources beautified with all sophistications. The structural design is unique and this is the result of modern technology altogether. This is a greatest piece of art created with the help of new technology. We have discussed local identity as against the idea of globalization. However, we need to be aware of the subtle difference between modernity and contemporariness, both of which are connected to the terms, ‘local identity’ ‘globalization’. True, contemporarity and modernity are interrelated, just as local identity and globalization are. When some contemporary trend in a form of art, architecture in this case, attains a dimension, which has a global impact and is fresh all through the ages, it is considered to be modern. When local identities have universal appeal, they become ‘glocal’. The interesting thing is that the localness of a piece of art does not affect the globalness of it; it just adds new dimensions. References: 1. Ching, F., 2007, page ix, Architecture: Form, Space, & Order, retrieved on April, 29 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=GryqqV58cXcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Architecture&hl=en&ei=gWC6Tf7UK8PbgQex3dG5Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CGcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false 2. Rasmussen, S., 1972 page 9, Experiencing Architecture, retrieved on April, 29 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=pZ50MeEQRAoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Architecture&hl=en&ei=gWC6Tf7UK8PbgQex3dG5Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CGwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false 3. Gomez. A., 2003 (page 06/07), Architecture and ethics beyond globalization, retrieved on April, 29 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=G-KHh9mE3s8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=globalization+and+architecture&hl=en&ei=5Uy6TZylD8XtrAfXucxp&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CEoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false 4. Sebestyen. G, Pollington. C, 2003 ( page 8), New architecture and technology, retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=1KKyaZEoZy4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=architecture+through+new+technology&hl=en&ei=G026Tb25GcPOrQfQocRq&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CF4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=architecture%20through%20new%20technology&f=false. 5. web, Saudi Arabia to expand Prophet’s Mosque, 2005 retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://forum.mpacuk.org/archive/index.php/t-2999.html 6. Web, Climate-Control Parasols for the Extension to the Prophet's Holy Mosque, retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://www.tensinet.com/database/viewProject/3761. 7. Web, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, retrieved on April 29 2011from http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Egypt/Muhafazat_al_Iskandariyah/Alexandria-2009064/Things_To_Do-Alexandria-new_Library_of_Alexandria-BR-1.html 8. Web, Multani mitti facelift for Taj Mahal, 2008 retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://www.hindustantimes.com/Multani-mitti-facelift-for-Taj-Mahal/Article1-269843.aspx 9. Web, Pollution Threatening The Taj Mahal, 2007 retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://indiahotelreviews.blogspot.com/2007/02/i-decided-to-write-on-some-hot-topics.html 10. Senosiain, J., Haro, F, Fuentes O 2005 retrieved on April 29 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=rnTOKwAACAAJ&dq=organic+architecture&hl=en&ei=rrW6TYb9KcLSgQeUxqnTBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEkQ6AEwAw Read More