Rethinking Reconstruction

Abstract

The concept of the “city” is usually not something that can be developed overnight, nor is it merely a terrain to build structures upon. The city is much more complex. It takes more than just buildings to weave urban fabric. It takes memories, friendships, cultures, and diversity. Within the architecture that creates the aesthetic of a city, lies the true concept of a city - its people. And it is through their efforts and their history that a city is born, turning otherwise empty structures into a place where cultures are represented, memories are preserved, and homes are created. Architecture can neither exist independent of its designers, nor can it exist independent of its dreamers. Throughout history cities have been destroyed and their urban fabric has been damaged by unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of both human and natural origins such as economical, political and natural disasters. Detroit, Michigan and Banja Luka, Bosnia, are examples of cities that have experienced disasters of human origin and are the primary focus of this thesis investigation. Detroit is an example of how economical stress and racial discrimination has lead to the destruction of a city. Historically, a leading economic power due to manufacturing and automotive industry and with great future potential, Detroit is now deserted leaving many structures originally meant to serve as businesses now empty and abandoned. Detroit is slowly erasing its visual memories and its culture while leading itself to a state of semi-permanent destruction. However, past conflicts of political and religious interests in Bosnia were far more distressing, because architecture was used as a means to eradicate people, their nation and their heritage. Homes, institutions, places of worship and of gathering were deliberately destroyed in an effort to erase people from their existence. In both cases, exists the remaining pieces of a city – its people and a foundation that should not be forgotten. In the rebuilding of a city, it is not enough to focus on buildings and infrastructure; rebuilding must consider the present urban condition, contextualizing socioeconomic needs of the people. While the built environment is important, and may be the focus in some cities, it is crucial to consider civic issues in order to revitalize culture, communication, and relationships - all of which contribute to the spirit of a city and essentially complete it. The goal of this thesis is to identify the different causes of destruction and the effects they have on people, using this information to answer some important questions: How does one begin to reuse and readapt space after the destruction, especially when it brings back horrifying memories? As a designer, how do you preserve architecture of the past while building new, innovative structures that will respect and sustain memories of the past? Is it justified to rebuild what was originally there on the basis that it once existed, or is it necessary to accept it for what it is now and how it may benefit the present community? This thesis attempts to introduce strategies of regrowth for post-destruction cities; the focus is not to bring them back to where they once were, but instead focus on where they are now, and current needs - while still acknowledging and respecting the past in an effort to look forward.