Globalization is described as a process of interaction and integration between people, companies, and governments all over the world, and some consider it a form of capital expansion that is based on the principle of integrating local and national economies into a free financial approach. By the dynamic forces of globalization, as societies become increasingly interconnected, the notion of identity in architecture has undergone a significant shift.
Architectural regionalism, which traditionally emphasized the expression of local or regional identity through design, has had to adapt to the complexities of a globalized world. The representation of identity in architecture is now a multifaceted and fluid concept that transcends geographical boundaries. It is no longer confined to a specific region or nation but is shaped by diverse influences, cultural exchange, and the interplay of global and local dynamics.
Effect of Globalization on Architecture
Globalisation affects architecture through culture. According to Lewis (2002), architectural philosophy and design ideology are based on conflicting cultural and aesthetic tendencies in history. This is because governments, companies, and the people of nations worldwide fund architectural designs and styles to represent their rule and identity. Thus, the Romans built splendid coliseums and temples to show off their empire (Lewis 2002). Classical Roman architecture shows the primacy of its people, who determined Roman hierarchy and ideals (Tzonis, Lefaivre, and Stagno 2001). Classical Roman architecture symbolises cultural hegemony. Cultural influence on architecture is not new. French and English colonists controlled the architectural styles of China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and America in the 19th and 20th centuries to establish their identities. These regions’ monuments reflect colonial rule and shifting policy. “Administrators hoped that preserving traditional status hierarchies would buttress their own superimposed colonial order,” writes Metcalf (1989, qt. Wright). Acknowledging that resistance to new forms is often founded on attachments to familiar areas, architects strove to establish a sense of continuity with the local past in their designs. According to Lewis (2002), European and American architects rejected classicism and sought a new regime for worldwide designs to fit the new economic, technological, social, and political order, resulting in the modernist style.
Modernism was the foundation for construction during post-war architecture, Ibelings (1998). Modern architecture advanced on the basis of reason. It introduced the concept of internationalisation in architecture, resulting in multifunctional designs for offices, schools, hospitals, and homes. Postmodernism, in which concepts are based on universally accepted ideologies, has swiftly replaced this style. Partially as a result of the deterioration of modernism and partially as a result of the inability of modernism to transmit the language of people who inhabited buildings and houses designed by modern architects, the postmodern style has become more prevalent. Buildings should serve as vehicles for ideas and activities (Ibelings, 1998). They should reflect the aesthetic and inspiration of the inhabitants. During this postmodern era, the concept of universalism emerged to express and accommodate symbols of technological advancement, national progress, economic integration, and globalisation.
Ibelings talks about globalization and architecture is usually seen as a negative force leading to homogeneity, uniformity, superficiality and neutrality with the erosion of the sense of place and gives examples of airports, malls, prisons, tall towers etc. All these places have a global outlook and are not concerned with national identity. These are architecture of constant fluxes and not borders.
Furthermore, identity in architecture is no longer fixed or static. It is constantly evolving and subject to reinterpretation. The globalized world allows for the construction and reconstruction of identity through architectural discourse, experimentation, and the incorporation of diverse cultural narratives. Architects have the freedom to respond to the ever-changing social, cultural, and environmental contexts, and to engage in a dialogue that redefines and constructs new forms of identity.
Global trends in architecture due to Globalization
The rapid development in communication and information technologies, on the other hand, serves the imposition by sharing global images and identities more and forcing old cultures into new forms by dismantling them or hybridizing local cultures. The urban space, as a result is shaped through prestige-providing buildings branded by their height or iconic designs marketing a new living-consumption style. The spaces of this new life style are ‘plaza offices’, ‘gated community’ spaces, ‘malls’ shopping centres, ‘boutique hotels’, and ‘mixed use complex’.
The proliferation of skyscrapers is a significant architectural manifestation of globalisation. As societies become more interconnected and urban populations grow, the demand for efficient land utilisation and vertical development has increased. High-rise structures provide a solution to the limited space in densely populated urban areas by accommodating a greater number of people and activities in a smaller footprint. The first effect of economic globalisation is accelerated urbanisation and the concentration of economic activities in major cities. As global business centres, the demand for office spaces, commercial centres, and residential units has increased in these cities. High-rise buildings provide the required vertical capacity to meet these demands, maximising land utilisation and enabling the consolidation of diverse functions within a single structure.
Second, technological advancements have made it possible to construct taller and more structurally sophisticated buildings. It is now possible to design and construct high-rise buildings that can withstand natural forces and adhere to safety standards due to advancements in materials, engineering techniques, and building practises. Globalisation has accelerated the development of high-rise construction by facilitating the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and technological advances.
Gated communities have become prevalent due to globalization, offering residents a sense of security, privacy, and access to superior amenities. They cater to concerns about safety, provide privatized services, and reflect aspirations for an exclusive lifestyle. Gated communities also offer an escape from urbanization and allow residents to distance themselves from crowded urban areas. Influenced by global media and cultural trends, the demand for gated communities has grown, driven by the desire for a secure and affluent living environment.
With increased awareness of environmental issues, there has been a growing emphasis on Sustainable design practices. Architects are incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and green technologies into their designs. The focus is on creating buildings that minimize their ecological footprint and promote sustainable living.
Multiculturalism has emerged as a significant global trend in the post-globalization era. As societies become increasingly interconnected and diverse, there is a growing recognition and acceptance of different cultures, ethnicities, and identities. Multiculturalism emphasizes the coexistence and celebration of multiple cultural traditions within a society. This global trend has influenced various aspects of life, including education, politics, arts, and urban planning. In architecture, multiculturalism is reflected in the design of buildings and public spaces that incorporate diverse cultural elements, materials, and aesthetics. It encourages dialogue, exchange, and the creation of inclusive environments that foster a sense of belonging for individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
The emergence of star architects as a global trend post-globalization is a phenomenon characterized by the recognition and influence of renowned architects on an international scale. In an interconnected world, star architects have gained prominence for their innovative designs, iconic structures, and ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Their projects often become landmarks, attracting attention and visitors from around the globe. This trend highlights the convergence of architectural excellence, global media exposure, and the demand for unique and iconic structures that symbolize the spirit of contemporary urbanism. Star architects serve as cultural ambassadors, shaping the built environment and leaving a lasting legacy in the global architectural landscape.
Conclusion
Globalization has had a positive impact on architectural practices and styles, reflecting modernization, systemization, standardization, and functional logic. It promotes cultural integration, harmonization of spaces, and universal consumerism. While some might criticize globalization for infringing on individuality and cultural identity, it has actually alleviated localization through vernacular designs. However, globalization has also led to the replacement of individual aesthetic and cultural uniqueness, as architecture becomes more “mass produced.” Nonetheless, globalization has benefited architectural styles by fostering creativity and functionality, in contrast to classical buildings that catered primarily to a privileged few.
Citations
Ibelings, H. (1998), Supermodernism: Architecture in the Age of Globalization, NAi Publishers.
Chun, A. (2004). Globalization: critical issues. New York: Berghahn Books.
Mahiroğulları, A. (2000), The impact of globalisation on cultural values.
Ahmet Tanju Gültekin 2017 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 245 072035
Farida Noori Salim Atto (2008), Architecture, the national and globalisation, academia.edu
Nicoli Ouroussoff, Reading Architecture in an Era of globalisation, Harvard Design Magazine
