1.7. Challenges in Globalized Context

We are also living in the state of wars, we are living in the state of contestation that is where an example of Nicosia, you know how a cities broken into 2 countries, this belongs to two countries; one is the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus and Greek part of the Cyprus which is a Nicosia...

In the context of globalization, there are various challenges faced by different socioeconomic groups. The speaker highlights how globalization has led to an increasing gap between the rich and the poor. In urban planning and disaster risk reduction, attention must be given to how these disparities affect societies. For example, in war-torn areas like Nicosia, Cyprus, where the city is divided between two nations, there are implications for disaster management and planning. Planners need to be aware of the needs of different groups and the historical context to create effective strategies.

Imagine a neighborhood where some people have well-maintained houses and access to utilities while others live in crumbling buildings without basic services. If a natural disaster strikes, like a flood, the response and recovery efforts might not be equitable. The richer households could recover quickly with better insurance and services, while poorer families struggle, showing how economic disparities can exacerbate vulnerability during disasters.

These are some of the challenges which we have and the great people like Laurie Baker who actually worked with the poor and especially, developed the low-cost technologies, how we can actually work with local masons...

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) involves a variety of challenges, especially when integrating local communities into rebuilding efforts. Laurie Baker is mentioned as a notable figure who focused on creating affordable building methods that could empower communities. This means that in disaster recovery, it's not just about providing aid but also about training local builders and utilizing their knowledge to develop sustainable, low-cost solutions. Engaging local communities in the rebuilding process fosters resilience and helps tailor the buildings to their specific needs.

Think about community gardening initiatives where locals grow their own food rather than relying on imported produce. Similarly, involving locals in building their own homes or repairing schools after a disaster can lead to better, more sustainable results, as they understand their own climate and resource needs better than outside experts might.

But then the same aspect, we also have to look at the long-run adaptation of these efforts like for example, in Jungle Chula...

The educational context has shifted from a singular vision — where one architect's design dominated the process — to a more collaborative approach that incorporates various stakeholders in planning and design. This shared vision acknowledges that communities are dynamic and their needs evolve. It’s important to adapt planning processes to ensure that they stay relevant and beneficial for the communities they serve over time.

Imagine a school project where students are tasked with designing a park for their community. If only one student’s ideas are used, the end result may not suit everyone. However, if the team collaborates with local residents to gather input, they can create a park that has features which truly reflect the community’s interests and needs, promoting sustained use and satisfaction.

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