Chinatown - Assignment Example

Download file to see previous pages This report will be based on two major aspects of planning in Chinatown namely politics in planning and urban growth and suburbanization. In regard to the aspect of environmental issues, the role of water in the city will be analyzed. The planning and future of Chinatown is based upon how these many Chinatown roles on politics in planning are weighed. These roles make the area a community since a community is defined as a group of people habitation in the same place or having characteristics in common. Therefore, any planning should be done to benefit the existing and future residents of the area, which is not as the case in Chinatown. Planning politics commenced with the issue of water, then general welfare. Since the Chinese architecture has not changed over the centuries, the same architectural uniqueness is seen in the movie’s buildings. Most buildings are erected on raised platforms as their foundations making them higher than normal buildings. Pillars are also common in most buildings as they give support to vertical structural beams. The roofs are the most interesting part of the buildings where they have roof apexes; that are usually topped with a crest of tiles and statues for both decorative purposes and to weigh down the layer of roofing tiles for stability. The ridges are often well decorated especially for religious buildings or sometimes extended or incorporated from the walls of the buildings to form matouqiung (horse-head walls), which serve as a fire deterrent from drifting embers. These building’s designs are what gives the area it’s name because of the famous Chinese architecture that has been displayed on not only the buildings but also the gates, business premises, sculptures among other things (Chinese chamber of Commerce, 1). According to a proposed plan by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to preserve and improve existing housing, there are certain prohibitions like conversion of upper-story housing to other uses. It also ensures that new buildings enhance Chinatown’s special characteristic. Parts of the area have also been designated a historic district while also setting up strict conditions before housing can be demolished. This ensures that the area maintains its identity of ‘china town’. Water in Chinatown signifies the impact on urbanization and expansion of Los Angeles. Water is a natural resource necessary for daily consumption by man; associated with political issues. In regard to The influence of the Regional Planning Association, the role of water is essential in city planning. (Southworth & Eran 72). According to Southworth (1995) an argument ensued among the officials on the costs of a through-street pavement and mainline utilities; which were not clearly understood (p. 72). According to Chinatown, water symbolizes a substantial and figurative longing which must be relieved. The longing of Los Angeles city is very self-motivated; based on water planning. This is because; locating the water to the city would be very beneficial to the populace, and finances. The role of water in the movie is seen when an isolated part of Los Angeles is all dried up, and a child on a horseback who seems very thirsty is searching for water. Officials are seen in the movie using the allocated water spots as a cover for political actions; disregarding the physical state of the region. Mr. Cross decided to bring water to Los Angeles; with an intention of ...Download file to see next pagesRead More