600 Word Essay
What Are The
Effects of Modern Gentrification?
By Sophie Wiseman
The topic of gentrification is a contentious one and
generally depicts the “buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated
urban neighbourhoods by upper or middle income families or individuals “ (Land8:
Landscape Architects Network, 2016). It strands from the ‘gentry’ societal
class and began as the rehabilitation of tired areas. Over time, the true
meaning of gentrification has evolved and, unfortunately, gentrification seems
to behave as a trend, that disrupts the socio-cultural state of the area. Its
aims can be to rehabilitate economic needs, instead of an improved place to
stay.
Redeveloping an area does give potential opportunities such
as employment for local residents, however we must consider the negative
outcomes that are generated; is it sustainable development and accessible for
all? This is where gentrification intercepts with the integrity of landscape
architecture and must be investigated.
The influence on context and culture is at large due to the increase
of ‘blandscapes’ seen in more and more revival projects. ‘Blandscapes’ are commonly
known as “the ecological equivalent to gentrification” (Nash and Connop, 2021).
Rigid areas of green are implemented to some neighbourhoods and as a result
become unsympathetic to the site’s character. This can be damaging to a
community and ultimately puts quality of life at risk. The principled act of
creating a ‘green’ landscape is clouded by the capitalist investment
opportunities which further diminishes the positive effect that other landscape
designers are attempting to create.
'Blandscapes’ (Pinterest,
2020)
Furthermore, we see the expansion of “pocket parks” and “urban
forests”. These are made for the advantage of the local population and are
usually small in scale. Pocket parks and urban forests do promote physical
activity, mental-well being and social interaction (Tree Canada, 2021), yet
they also increase property prices, taxes, and broadens the rich-poor
disparity. In essence small green parks could be an indirect cause for poverty
in some gentrified areas even if they are made with good intentions.
Climate gentrification is becoming more prevalent in places
devastated by natural hazards. Coastal cities are experiencing a decrease in
population after the event of a storm or other climate related issue. Mainly wealthier
residents move from a higher income area to a lower income area and begin to
gentrify. Consequently, this reshapes the location’s identity (What Is Climate
Gentrification, 2022). This is seen in
New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The New Orleans climate
gentrification clearly shows the vast effect of rebuilding at the expense of locals
as 100,000 black New Orleans residents were permanently displaced because of
the lack of affordable housing due to the hurricane (What Is Climate
Gentrification, 2022). This may suggest
that gentrification can’t be avoided in some instances and therefore its
effects on residents of lower income have no time to prepare for drastic
changes in their area.
Overall, gentrification may be suitable for some areas of
high income, but not ideal for those living on dangerous land or who are financially
disadvantaged. Generally speaking, it benefits the affluent and can interrupt
the welfare of many. This hugely affect landscape architects because we must only
design to improve other’s wellbeing, provide services that sustainably give the
location longevity and to restore natural aeras. By doing so we also carry the responsibility
if housing prices and taxes were to increase because of our creations and therefore
must weigh up moral and functional concerns. We must construct a method of architecture
to suit all demographics.
Bibliography
Websites
Land8: Landscape Architects Network (2016). What the Hell is
Gentrification and Why Should Landscape Architects Care? [online] Land8.
Available at:
https://land8.com/what-the-hell-is-gentrification-and-why-should-landscape-architects-care/#:~:text=Landscape%20architecture%2C%20the%20practice%20that%20often%20reinterprets%20historical,bringing%20benefits%20to%20those%20who%20live%20there%20now.
[Accessed 26 Jan. 2023].
Tree Canada. (2021). 03. Benefits of Urban Forests - Tree
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[Accessed 26 Jan. 2023].
Li, H. and Grant, R. (2022). What’s really driving ‘climate
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[Accessed 26 Jan. 2023].
What Is Climate Gentrification (2022). What Is Climate Gentrification?
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[Accessed 26 Jan. 2023].
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2023].
Nash, C. and Connop, S. (2021). Ecomimicry: the
nature-inspired approach to design that could be the antidote to urban
‘blandscapes’. [online] The Conversation. Available at:
https://theconversation.com/ecomimicry-the-nature-inspired-approach-to-design-that-could-be-the-antidote-to-urban-blandscapes-160664
[Accessed 27 Jan. 2023].
Photos
Kiwi.com. (2023).
Chicago! Kdo se přidá? [online] Available at:
https://www.kiwi.com/cz/cheap-flights/new-orleans-louisiana-united-states/chicago-illinois-united-states/?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&mkt_form=acquisition&mkt_agency=adwordssearch&affilid=acquisition000performance000sem000bing&mkt_origin=&si=&mkwid=s-dc_pcrid__pkw_new%20orleans%20chicago_pmt_p_slid__&pgrid=1274334950074349&ptaid=kwd-79646452903164&utm_campaign=578261007&msclkid=60bd590720c81e7ee9cd3ad1984fce3c&utm_term=new%20orleans%20chicago&utm_content=new-orleans_la_us%20-%20chicago_il_us%20(all)%20-%20cs&gclid=60bd590720c81e7ee9cd3ad1984fce3c&gclsrc=3p.ds
[Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].
Pinterest. (2020). landscapinggarden.eu. [online] Available
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2023].
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