Haussmannization of Paris; good or evil?

"The creative destruction of something for the betterment of society" - Wikidictionery

Haussmann's Paris

The planning history presents the various solutions to the social and economic problems of the specific era. The late nineteenth century and early twentieth century were dominated by city beautiful movement and garden city approach in response to slum conditions, lack of infrastructure and public health issues. Critically, both these methodologies employ the skills of landscape architect as well as urban planner. In both professions, collaborative work is inevitable for understanding of social and environmental concerns to realize urban plans and projects. The earliest examples of deploying both of these skills, can be seen from Greek and Roman times, leading to creation of acropolis, agoras, pantheon, roads, aqueducts procession ways, stoas (Shops), amphitheaters’ etc. to build efficient and enabling cities. This empowered ideas of democracy to flourish in Greece and Romans to spread their rule wide and far.

During the 1853 to 1870’s, Haussmmanization of Paris was the most destructive yet creative method of rebuilding Paris, to project it as world’s center and enable people to come from around world to visit it . The monarchy of Napoleon III and his visions for this great city enabled this project. The genius of Haussmann lies in his multiscale approach to public works, which led to annexation of areas, clearing slums and constructing tree lined boulevards, landmarks, parks public squares, new avenues; also, improving facades of houses and shops along these streets. The method was revolutionary, employing both landscape and urban planning skills for the work. This was one of the most successful endeavors as it made Paris; the recreational destination of world, booming the commercial and real estate development in the areas. However, it must be analyzed that under monarchy, this project was viable and could be implemented; even though it’s inhumane approach to displace poor segment of society is questionable.

The city beautiful movement by Danial Burnham and subsequently, his Plan for Chicago in 1909, were inspired from this stance. In his book, Burnham has clearly mentioned Haussmann principles for rejuvenating Chicago to bring order, visual & aesthetic harmony, and economic boom, to create community of people within city who consider it home and don’t want to leave. This case scenario however; is bit different, since states was a democratic society and the plan was eventually implemented in collaboration of Burnham and the elitist commercial club. It was top down approach by rich businessmen and entrepreneurs to create an urban fabric to foster civic pride. In both case scenarios of Haussmann and Burnham, the motivation lies the majestic, monumental and great civic pride to foster improvements in built environment. These movements made no conscious effort of alleviating poverty. Yet, the impacts of these revolution did enable recognition of social ills and eventually, actions for social development.

The postwar year of First World War, had emergence of new philosophy “the city efficient” that viewed planning principles to be separate from landscape architecture principles. It saw city as a complex web of bylaws, standards, zoning, density and transportation to ensure efficient functioning and public health. However, landscape concerns were not forgotten; but applied in different versions through model industrial towns. The Second World War, however, led the planning profession in recession and landscape architecture emerged as bright spot. The need to employ people through creation of public parks and facilities become need for economic expansion. After end of war till 1950’s, the planning profession caught on its rigor by setting up of urban research centers and university courses to train planners for the urban renaissance. Henceforth, the collaboration of planning, landscape architects & urban designers has become inevitable to work for the betterment of built environment and quality of life.

In this era of population explosion, environmental deterioration and racial and cultural bias, it is important that professionals from all across the fields; architects, social scientist, environmentalist, planners, urban designer & landscape architects to work in close collaboration for any effective win – win situation in diverse places.