Liberal Studies Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum
Globalization
Globalization and
Localization of
Architecture and
Urban Planning
[Teacher notes]
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
Preamble
Teaching plan
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Lesson 1: Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
1.1 Introduction to Globalization and Localization
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1.1.1 What is Globalization?
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1.1.2 What is Localization?
05
1.2 Desirable Directions of Urban Development
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Exercise 1: Analyzing the Local Response to Globalization in Chandigarh
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Exercise 2: Your Vision on West Kowloon Cultural District Development
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Summary, Key words and Further reading
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Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise
take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not
reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
© 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Contents
Topic 03
Globalization and Localization of
Architecture and Urban Planning
Liberal studies: Module 4 Globalization
•
Impact of globalization and related responses
Related teaching areas
Visual Arts:
• Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context
Design and Technology:
• Strand 3 Value and Impact
Liberal Studies: Module 2 Hong Kong Today
•
Theme 1: Quality of life
•
Theme 2: Rule of law and socio-political participation
•
Theme 3: Identity
Liberal Studies: Module 3 Modern China
•
Theme 1: China’s reform and opening-up
•
Theme 2: Chinese culture and modern life
Learning objectives
•
To learn what globalization and localization are
•
To compare potential outcomes and conflicts of globalization and localization through the lens of architecture and urban development
•
To consider the impacts of globalization and localization on urban development
•
To observe how the identity of Hong Kong has been influenced by globalization and localization
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Interdisciplinary teaching areas
Major teaching areas
Teaching plan
Lesson
Lesson 1
Contents
• 1.1.1
Globalization and
Localization of Architecture • 1.1.2
and Urban Planning
Introduction to the concept of globalization as it relates to
architecture and urban development
Introduction to the concept of localization as it relates to
architecture and urban development
• 1.2
Desirable directions for urban development
• Exercise
Local Response to Globalization in Chandigarh
• Exercise
West Kowloon Cultural District Development
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Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Lesson 1
Globalization and Localization of
Architecture and Urban Planning
01
1.1 Introduction to Globalization and Localization
1.1.1 What is Globalization?
1.
How do you distinguish these two cities?
2.
What common conditions do they share?
3.
What are the differences between them?
p Chongqing is one of the major cities in China.
Development started in the late 20th century.
© Frank Fan
Teaching Tips
Field trips to Central and Yau Ma Tei can
be organized to facilitate the learning of
globalization and localization, can refer to
Liberal Studies topics 05: ‘VISIT: Yau Ma Tei
- Local Community’ and 06: ‘VISIT : Central
- Central Business District (CBD)’.
p New York City has been one the world’s most important
cities since the early 20th century. © Chris Wong
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Lesson 1
Globalization and Localization of Architecture and
Urban Planning
Possible perspectives
This is an example of globalization. Cities in China are developing along patterns established by older cities
like New York and Chicago. Skyscrapers and public transport systems are two of the recognizable features of
international cities.
02
p Top world cities: Chicago © QT Luong/terragalleria.com
Globalization is a movement towards worldwide standardization of the cultural, social, economical, political and
technological aspects of societies. It has come about through the exchange of international knowledge and principles
among regions.
Factors leading to globalization:
•
Developing countries are rapidly urbanizing, and in many cases they have looked to existing models of successful
cities for inspiration.
•
International capital and market forces often favour urban development.
Impacts of globalization on architecture and the urban development:
•
As images and ideas flow across the world, societies begin to share basic concepts of how living environments
should look and function. Contemporary style skyscrapers with curtain walls and other high-tech systems become
common.
•
Different regional cultures begin to blend into a new international culture, and established architectural styles spread
across regions, though they may be inflected by local features.
•
Development results in an increasingly high-speed flow of capital, technology and products that make urbanization
and dense buildings possible.
Teaching Tips
Changes of globalization on architecture
can refer to Arts Topic 09: ‘VISIT: Central Architectural Forms in Different times’.
p Developing cities: Chongqing © Frank Fan
p Developing cities: Shenzhen © Mauchai -— Wikipedia User
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
p Top world cities: New York © Chris Wong
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p Suzhou, China
1.1.2 What is Localization?
1.
How do you distinguish between these two cities?
2.
What common conditions do they share?
3.
How are they different?
Teaching Tips
More examples can be found in Arts
Topic 02: ‘Chinese Calligraphy, Painting
and Architecture’. and Topic 07: ‘Aesthetics of Zen in Japanese Garden’.
Possible perspectives
Venice
Suzhou
Common conditions
• Similar geographical properties
• Channels or rivers running
through the cities
• Local transport mainly by boats
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
p Venice, Italy
Differences
• Colourful façade
• More ornate
• Public spaces related to
churches
• White walls and grey roof tiles
• Simple decoration
• Public spaces according to
nature or ancestral halls
This is an example of localization. Given similar physically conditions, inhabitants of the locales react
in their distinctive ways because of their own cultural, economic and social conditions.
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Localization is a development process that is guided by the customs, culture, social and economic
conditions of a particular geographical area. The outcomes from the process reflect the cultural
characteristics of the place and answers to regional needs.
Reasons for localization in architecture and urban development:
1.
Regional traditions and preference
2.
Proximity to building materials
3.
Local skills and technology
4.
Physical and climatic conditions
5.
Availability of capital
p Public space and architectural style in Venice
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
p Public space and architectural style in Suzhou
Teaching Tips
For further information on local
architecture, please refer to Liberal
Studies Topic 01: ‘Culture in Vernacular
Architecture’.
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[Discussion]
Taking Chongqing and Suzhou as examples, examine the pros and cons of regional
development from local to global and suggest a desirable direction for urban development.
Possible perspectives
Localization
Cons
• Stagnation in the technological
advancement of construction
methods
• Lack of standardization across
regions
• Inefficiency in the face of swift
urban development
• Regional segregation
• Technological advancement
of construction methods can
improve the living environment
• Makes quick development
possible
• Contributes to a successful
international image to reassure
potential investors from global
markets that their needs will be
met (for example, world-class
offices and luxury shopping malls)
• Loss of cultural traditions and
identity
• Regional interests and needs
may be overshadowed by the
economic benefit gained
• Urban sites are used to project a
positive city image rather than
improving local inhabitants’ daily
lives
1.2 Desirable Directions of Urban Development
Localization in small regions as a part of globalized national goals
Both localization and globalization can benefit the growth of a region. By localizing small regions, globalized
national goals may be met.
From the view of architects and urban planners, benefits to a nation as a whole may include:
Regional localization:
•
Economic perspective: regional building and design methods can contribute to a worldwide reputation, increasing trade and tourism
•
Cultural perspective: local arts and crafts can be passed on to the next generation
•
Social perspective: local lifestyle preferences and geographical conditions can be accommodated
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Globalization
Pros
• Promoting regional identity
• Promoting a reputation for
cultural authenticity, encouraging
tourism
• Encouraging traditional
craftsmanship
• Solving regional needs
• Minimizing building costs
Globalized national goals:
•
Economic perspective: technology can help developing regions build efficiently
•
Cultural perspective: international cultural exchange can promote local cultures and craftsmanship
•
Social perspective: flow of international capital and ideas can provide solutions to improve local quality of life
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[Exercise 1]
Read the following article and answer the questions.
Local food market in Chandigarh © Anurag Yadava
Local Response to Globalization in Chandigarh
‘Several decades ago, the Indian government sought to present the new town of Chandigarh as
a showcase to the world, worthy of foreign investment. “Unfettered by traditions of the past”,
in Nehru’s words, it built a modern city planned by Western experts. But something went wrong.
Neighbourhoods, planned to be self-contained with one of each of different kinds of stores, now
have many stores carrying the same merchandise because residents in Chandigarh like to do
comparative shopping and bargain; cattle lounge in the middle of the streets, even though it is
illegal for most residents to own them; sidewalk vending is outlawed, yet you cannot walk on
one without stumbling over peanut vendors, shoe repairmen and turban washers; and there is
an expansive park, called ‘Leisure Valley’, yet few people take their leisure there.’
(Source: Global Report on Human Settlements, 2001)
1
Why did the government want to develop Chandigarh?
2
What are the conflicts between globalization and localization in Chandigarh?
3
Why was the planning of ‘the modern city’ unsuccessful?
4
What can you learn from the example of urban development in Chandigarh?
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
p
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Possible perspectives
1. The government wished to develop Chandigarh to project an international image for foreign investment.
2. The urban planning of ‘the modern city’ is not fulfilled as per the expectation of the western experts.
•
Stores of same merchandise accumulate instead of one of each kind as planning by the government.
•
Cattle lounge are running on the street.
•
Vendors of daily utility accumulate on the sidewalks.
•
Planned communal space, ‘Leisure Valley’ is not being used by the neighbourhoods.
The planning of ‘the modern city’ did not take the local culture and lifestyle of the
neighbourhoods into account. The western experts did not plan how the locals would use
the place. The localization force of the neighbourhoods is much stronger than the force of
globalization. The locals change the use of the place to fit their own culture and lifestyle.
4.
Lessons from the example of the urban development in Chandigarh:
•
Globalization is not necessarily the best solution for urban planning, especially in regions that have strong local cultures and traditions.
•
Standardized international ideas may not suit the needs of the local regions.
•
Urban development should take local people’s lifestyle and traditions in account without blindly manipulating an international style.
•
Urban development will evolve to a condition that suits the needs for the local people.
[Discussion]
In the last decade, do you think Hong Kong has developed towards globalization or localization? What are
the forces behind the development of Hong Kong and which is more dominant?
p
Local craftsmanship at Tsang Tai Uk
p
World-class office and luxury shopping mall at IFC
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
3.
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[Exercise 2]
Read the following materials and answer the questions.
West Kowloon Cultural District Development
Background information of West Kowloon Cultural District Development Plan
In support of Hong Kong’s identity as ‘Asia’s World City,’ the Government began to develop plans
for a new arts district in the early part of the last decade. It was decided that West Kowloon
would be an ideal location for a major arts and cultural district, and so the concept for the West
Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) emerged. After 15 months of intensive consultation with the
local arts community and related parties, the WKCD Consultative Committee recommended that
the district include 15 performing arts venues and at least 3 hectares of piazza areas, as well as
a cultural institution with museum functions (temporarily called the M+) focusing on 20th to 21st
century visual culture, and an Exhibition Centre with a focus on arts and culture and the creative
industry. In addition to these world-class institutions, the committee also gave recommendations
on how to knit the district into the city: to plan for low-density development, to provide ample
open spaces embracing Hong Kong’s vibrant harbour front, and to remain closely connected with
the existing neighbourhood community.
Vision of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
© West Kowloon Cultural District
Fig 1 Summary of Phase 1 Facilities
Legends 1.Mega Performance Venue and Exhibition Centre Complex, 2. Free greenery space, 3. Outdoor
Theatre, 4. M+ Museum for Visual Culture, 5. Lyric Theatre, 6. Music Centre, 7. Centre for contemporary
Performance, 8. Musical Theatre, 9. Xiqu Centre, 10. Medium Theatre I and 11. Resident Company Centre
To develop the WKCD into an integrated arts and cultural district that will:
• provide quality culture, entertainment and tourism programmes with a must-visit appeal to
both local residents and visitors from around the world;
• meet the long-term infrastructure needs of Hong Kong’s arts and cultural development and
foster organic growth and development of culture and creative industries; and
• become a cultural hub for attracting and nurturing talents, an impetus to improve quality of
life, as well as a cultural gateway to the Pearl River Delta.
(Source: West Kowloon Cultural District Authority website)
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Foster Times – 2010年8月20日 - 第1版
4
Architect
意見 Norman Foster’s design concepts and models
回應香港的需要
我們在這31年裡，吸收和了解到香 • 響應：香港的歷史和多樣化，對
港獨有的特質。
傳統和新興的文化結合，以及配合
教育和當地的藝術和創意社區的實
我們認真聽取了您對這文化區熱情 際需要。
的看法，並認為這地區將會為香港
帶來多方面的啟發。下面是一些關 • 便利開放：交通，經濟，文化，
鍵主題囊括在我們的計劃內：
社會 - 對所有人的開放。
• 創新與啟發：把各方面的文化生 • 可持續發展：環境，社會及經
活匯集一起，從傳統的文化生活到 濟。
現代多媒體節日活動，並尋找更多
的方法，與新的觀眾接觸和交流。 • 不容錯過！亞洲必到的文化旅遊
勝地，使香港成為一個藝術文化的
• 世界級：其設計，其先進的設施 領導者也作為一個集生活，工作和
及場館，其帶來的機會。
娛樂並重的地方。
西九文化區 範圍
Sir Norman
Rosenthal
張翁偉儀博士
張頌仁先生
Mr Anthony Sargent
藝術教育家
策展人
The Sage
Gateshead
總幹事
策展人
廣義來說，文化對香港的金融成 這就是香港缺少的。
就和繁榮有莫大的貢獻。
隨著以藝術教育為核心，西九文化
發展西九文化區可產生深遠的影 區將鼓勵香港的藝術和文化發展並
響。
促進參與世界各地的舞台。
只要將香港的政治地域角色與倫
敦、巴黎或紐約相比下，這些城
市均人口眾多、文化生活豐富，
並有很多“舞台”能突顯這個西
九文化區的重要地位。
通過鼓勵表演者和公眾之間的互
動，教師和學生之間的互動，以及
一群藝術家彼此之間的交流，這可
以成為一個結集文化創意企業及交
流的好地方 。
最初西九文化區的概念已經是
西九文化區是最有希望令這個地方
成為一個著名的世界文化城市- 只 世界上最雄心勃勃的文化發展項
要它是通過一個有全球性視野和懂 目。
得掌握藝術和文化關鍵的意識。
新的總體規劃有能力成為真正
最重要的基礎是由一個對香港有明 的文化中心，對香港的未來作出
確的認識和定義 - 無需有東方的 重要的投資。
陳腔濫調 - 令地方的精髓帶回西九
新的設施，如藝術中心和創意
龍 。
產業，知識中心，音樂和藝術學
校，藝術工作室，手工藝，音
樂，舞蹈和其他表演藝術，錄音
及後期製作的場地創造一些全新
的機遇，造福市民的同時亦具國
際吸引力。
Partners (left) & Richard Davies (right)
Foster匯集了專家諮詢委員會
Fig 2 Norman Foster’s design concept and models © Foster +
“建築師雖然重要，但不能獨力負
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
© Foster + Partners
這些結集回來的文化知識對實現這
Comments on the WKCD proposal責。他們需要與這些使用有關設施 個「城市中的公園」是很重要的。
文化中心的學生群，青年和兒
童自然能令其成為一個歡迎家庭
的地方。
的人合作和作出了解”Sir Norman
Rosenthal 說。
既要成為一個全球性的文化樞紐，
Feesh:
I like this scheme over the西九文化區的設施開始與年輕
other two
還要展示香港獨特的地方特色，一
人的能量產生協同效應，令這地
because
it
is
the
only
scheme
that
gives the
Foster + Partners 建立了獨特的諮詢 個地方可以容納當地人和遊客，並
方更扣人心弦。
委員會，由世界領先的藝術與文化district
滋養了城市的藝術生態
。
a plausible entrance:
The diagonal
don't實踐者和思想家組成，包括教育工
really look like cultural on the north-east is quite a nice and elegant
And 作者和政策制定者來自香港及世界
the huge park next to
各地的藝術家，表演者，策展人，solution to bring people from the city to an
another
typical
作家等等
。 isolated park
otherwise quite isolated site.
jesshk: The buildings
but very commercial.
the waterfront is just
in HK that only creates separation - again the
waterfront is isolated from the city.. that's not so
smart.
bigchilli: This is a culture killing project and I think
its got nothing to do with Hong Kong in anyway. It
also could be realized in London, New York or Dubai.
Just another huge commercial area in a city with so
much traditional background. Good Images I think,
but that is not enough, sorry.
Fig
3 Comments on the WKCD proposal (source: Dezeen website)
一個從香港島遠眺這個充滿活力的新文化區夜景
F + P 於本特刊刊登的圖片已得到授權使用。文化區範圍以外的設計建議有待有關政府部門批准．
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Design concepts of the WKCD © Foster + Partners
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
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1.
The winning master plan proposal was designed by the British architect Norman Foster, who also designed
the HSBC Headquarters building and Hong Kong International Airport.
Does the master plan of West Kowloon Cultural District portray Hong Kong as an international city or an
authentic city with rich culture and traditions?
2.
The proposed master plan answered the visions of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. However,
some people criticise that the architectural design and master plan do not respond to the needs of Hong
Kong and lack Hong Kong identity.
How do you think a cultural district for Hong Kong should be developed?
3.
What would you propose if you were an architect and an urban planner? What concerns would you have?
2. Possibilities:
Retaining traditional local businesses.
Developing the main avenue as an old Hong Kong street.
Moving historic buildings to the site, taking Murray House in Stanley as an example.
Reducing the size of the cultural district and leaving more spaces for public housing, in order to meet the need for inexpensive housing in Hong Kong.
3.
Concerns:
Public interests and social needs/ aesthetic value/ identity value of the buildings and the site/ economics/ sustainable development value/ environmental concerns
•
•
•
•
[External Reference]
Teaching Tips
This is an open discussion. Teachers are
suggested to lead students’ discussion
across disciplines. Further information on
building design can be found in Science
Topic 01: ‘Forces in Buildings: A Historical
Review’ and Design and Technology Topic 11:
‘VISIT: Central - Structure of Skyscrapers’.
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Possible perspectives
1.
The proposal represents Hong Kong as an international city because the design of the buildings are very
modern. It reflects Hong Kong as a world-class city.
The proposal represents Hong Kong as an authentic city because it provides Hong Kong a platform to showcase local arts and traditions. However, the design of the buildings does not show cultural
characteristics of Hong Kong.
Norman Foster’s proposal on the West Kowloon Cultural District
Chinese Version
ht t p://w w w.w k cda.hk /pe2/en/c o nce p t ual/fo s t er/t c /
English Version
ht t p://w w w.w k cda.hk /pe2/en/c o nce p t ual/fo s t er/en/p r es ent at io n-p anels.ht ml
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Summary
1. Globalization is a worldwide standardization in cultural, social, economical, political and
technological aspects through exchanging and integrating international knowledge and
principles among regions.
2. Localization is a development process that is guided by the customs, culture, social and
economic conditions of a particular geographical area.
3. Architecture and urban development are affected by the two forces of globalization and
localization.
4. From the view of architecture and urban planning, both globalization and localization
benefit a nation from economic, social and cultural perspectives, however both may also
have drawbacks.
Globalization
Localization
Urban Development
Regional traditions
International image
Skyscrapers
Further reading
1. Yeh, Anthony Gar-on. Bibliography on Socio-Economic Development and Urban Development in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, 1999.
2. Cities in A Globalizing World — Global Report on Human Settlements 2001
http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?typeid=19&catid=555&cid=5374
3. Sima Xiao & Yang Hua. ‘City Planning Review, 2003-03, LOCALIZATION, INTEGRATION, STANDARDIZATION AND LEGITIMATION OF URBAN DESIGN’. City Planning Review, vol. 27, no. 3,
March 2003
http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-CSGH200303014.htm
4. Frampton, Kenneth. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 1981.
5. West Kowloon Cultural District Authority 西九文化區管理局
http://www.wkcda.hk
Organizer
Sponsor
Liberal Studies | Globalization and Localization of Architecture and Urban Planning
Key words
Research Team
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