The Importance of Modernization

Throughout the course of “Hum 54,” we have explored various themes across cities that contribute to the dynamic of the particular city, and to “urbanism” on the whole. One of these themes is modernization, or  the importance of the transformation of structures or districts to suit and parallel the cultural and societal changes of the city as a whole. The importance of modernization is seen in the New England Aquarium in Boston, the Narkomfin building in Moscow, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Modernization is prevalent across these three sites, as they have either first-hand transformed, or have helped to transform the districts in which they are in, or have mirrored the societal changes that have happened in the cities.

Human experiences, and the progression of the respective cities, have led to new uses in the material built environment of the cities, particular in these specific sites. The importance of modernization and societal progression, and its impact on cities and specific sites, is evident in Richard Sennett’s “The Public Realm.” Sennett describes this “public realm,” where structures or spaces can provide beneficial meeting points to foster relationships, and ultimately a better city community. These structures, when built for modern purpose, can provide for a modern, vibrant city center. However, sometimes modern structures can enter into periods of closure when they cannot be redone for contemporary use.

While some critics may be opposed to modernization and to the evolution of structures as time progresses in the hope of preserving history and culture, modernization is important for a city and its capacities to evolve at the pace of society and to suit the needs of its citizens. Additionally, our discussions and the understanding of the “urban” were aided by digital tools like the Urban Imagination Blog, Omeka, and various components like the images, videos, timelines, and maps. Together, with considering the urban and the theme or modernization, and with the tools that we have used this year, we have been able to gather a deeper understanding of urbanism, or of the qualities and transformations that make a city what it is.