- Feb 2017
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www.yalelawjournal.org www.yalelawjournal.org
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though that body of literature does not always describe architecture as “regulation.”
How can architecture not be seen as a form of regulation or agenda? Sidewalks are built so people can walk, roads are built to drive cars. Some buildings require gates and codes, others do not. Whether we recognize it or not, anything that is built, is built for a purpose and with that comes rules and regulations.
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Similarly, the existence of divided highway-style median barriers on local arterials makes it difficult for pedestrians to cross streets or for cars to turn left.
The article, "The morbid and mortal toll of sprawl" by Robert Steuteville used to explain Invitation to Vernacular Architecture. Focuses on how the architecture/ design of roadways has played a large role in traffic deaths. It’s interesting how the article connects to the major points of how architecture can both physically and psychologically divide a society.
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ubiquitous
Definition: existing everywhere; at the same time
The use of the word "ubiquitous" helps to exemplify how race is everywhere. Especially in the United States, that is known for being a Melting Pot of cultures and languages. The same way laws are made to protect people's freedom and liberty. Those laws should also be applied to Built Environments and architectural design.
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“[r]ace is a ubiquitous reality that must be acknowledged . . . if [planners] do not want simply to be the facilitators of social exclusion and economic isolation.”42
Just like when you fill an application for a job or a program, they ask for your gender and race. Why? Because it helps schools get funding, and it allows for special accommodations. Maybe there is a need for signage in a different language or an interpreter. The same idea applies to architecture. When designing a building, a park, or a bus line. It would be negligent not to consider the types of people who would come in contact or utilize the structures being built. So, I definitely think that the separation and discrimination is intentional, because there is nothing that we can do in our society today without considering race.
There is an article called, “UT Austin’s School of Architecture Establishes Initiative on Race, Gender and the Built Environment” by Kathleen Stimpert. The article addresses the 21st century concern of design and planning. The article states, their “effort[s] aims to facilitate diversity among design and planning professionals and students, and foster innovation in teaching and research on race, gender and inequality in American cities” The University of Texas at Austin realizes the effect that culture and practices has on a city. So much, that they have opened a new department dedicated to researching those effects. I think that this goes to show how it would be very difficult to build a successful city without considering all the components.
https://news.utexas.edu/2016/09/07/soas-initiative-on-race-gender-and-the-built-environment
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Instead of garnering support to pass a law banning poor people or people of color from the places in which he did not want them—which, if the intent were clear, would not be permissible today84—Moses used his power as an architect to make it physically difficult for certain individuals to reach the places from which he desired to exclude them.
I think that is very similar to what Airbnb host were doing to potential residents. Both are subtle forms of discriminatory action. Airbnb would be bashed if it publicly came out and stated that they were racist especially in today’s age where people are looking for any reason to point out institutionalized racism.
Although, Airbnb has publicly stated that they are completely against such actions it would not be surprising to find that these accusation are true and intentional.
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Although these walls are generally put in place by private developers to keep out those whom they do not want to access their communities, local governments have the power to prohibit these barriers. And while some cities have taken action to actively outlaw gated communities,108 most have not.1
I find this interesting because I live in a gated community, and while reading, I never once considered my living status as a form of segregation. The area I live in is made up of predominately young black families and college students. When I think of a gated area, I think of a place that is closely monitored for the safety of the residents not as a means of separation. I may think this way because I live in a gated area but after reading this, I have a new outlook on the purpose of gated areas/residences.
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