Notes on Modern Worldmaking and Urban Ghettos

Introduction to Modern Worldmaking

  • Focus on the influence of architecture in colonial contexts and its impact on global inequality.

  • Examination of global cities and the concept of urban spaces shaped by historical and cultural factors.

Case Studies of Urban Ghettos

Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro

  • A prominent favela highlighting urban poverty and informal housing.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

  • Major urban center in Brazil characterized by stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.

Dharavi, Mumbai

  • One of Asia's largest slums, showcasing issues of overcrowding and informal economy.

Paris, France; Baltimore, Maryland; Rome; Venice, Italy

  • Historical ghettos and their evolution from the past to the present can reveal the societal attitudes towards marginalized communities.

Birth of the Ghetto

  • Venice, 1516: The term "Ghetto" originates from this city, referring to the area where Jews were isolated.

    • "Geto" translates to foundry, indicating historical connections to metal casting.

  • 1633: Establishment of Ghetto Nuovissimo, further segregation of the Jewish population.

  • Rome, 1555: A 'regular' ghetto emerges, marking a formal segregation of communities.

American Ghettos and Historical Context

Chicago, the First Ghetto

  • 1870: The 5th Amendment grants Black men voting rights; following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Black communities became geographically concentrated.

  • 1900–1920: Racial dynamics shift as areas once mixed begin to show signs of segregation.

The Great Migration

  • 1910-1920: Over 1.2 million African Americans migrate from the South to Northern cities, changing urban demographics.

Consequences of Urban Development

  • 1910-1920: Rents for African Americans are significantly higher than those for Jewish and immigrant groups.

  • Legislation: The Supreme Court cases (Buchanan v. Warley and Shelley v. Kraemer) address racial residency statutes but loopholes exist in the form of restrictive covenants.

The Role of Federal Policies

  • 1934 National Housing Act: Establishes the FHA and initiates redlining practices that categorize neighborhoods by racial demographics, negatively impacting African American communities.

  • 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act: Highlights urban development priorities that displace low-income housing, disproportionately affecting Black neighborhoods.

Urban Displacement and Its Impact

  • The construction of highways and urban renewal projects often leads to the destruction of established Black neighborhoods, such as the Claiborne Corridor in New Orleans.

  • By 1960s: An estimated 37,000 urban housing units are being demolished each year due to federal projects.

The Current Situation of African American Populations

  • Geographic distribution of African-American populations in major cities shows little change over decades.

  • Demographic maps illustrate segregation patterns that persist into the 21st century, revealing systemic issues of race and housing.

Conclusion

  • The ongoing influence of historical patterns on modern urban settings emphasizes the complexities of race, mobility, and inequality.

  • Understanding these urban transformations is crucial in addressing the current socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities.