The issues of urbanism and modernization are of key concern particularly in relation to architecture. These aspects are discussed in the text “The Lost Dimension” by Paul Virilo whereby it is seen to separate from the less developed areas in the country. From the beginning of the 1960s the author identifies significant ways in which city dwellers around the world separated themselves from less urbanized regions. Though the main factor of consideration was architectural structures, others were also taken into account including religion, race, culture and social interactions. Streets in Belfast, Londonderry would separate Protestants from Catholics using a yellow band while the Berlin wall separating East and West Germany clearly indicate a divide between the developed city and that which is less developed. The essay presented attempts to demonstrate the significant rules that were developed through architecture in creating frontiers of a city and the further developments after that.
To begin with, the author recognizes the statement made by the Mayor of Philadelphia as an indicator of a trend that commenced in the 1960s. He states, “From here on in, the Frontiers of the State pass to the interior of the cities” (Virilo, 2012). This affirmative notion was a proclamation of the white majority’s intent to separate from the African American minority. As previously mentioned, numerous cities were portrayed to implement similar strategies of creating clear boundaries. The entire global community despite maintaining sovereign lands intended to create significant frontiers of the most developed areas. The author presents this effect as that of a multinational economy. Some cities were left disappointed due to lack of developing infrastructure while others grew (Virilo, 2012). The industrial enterprises dictated the areas that would enjoy the highest level of development and the clear mark off the city’s edge. The airport would replace the railway and road transport as a means of serving the multinational economy (Virilo, 2012).
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The social interaction between the multiple communities of the world would increase the fears of the more developed areas. Terror in the world resulted in restrictions laid out on ways individuals would enter or exit a city. These measures not only included the airports but also the railway and road transports. This system of traffic control would demonstrate the introversion of the city. The system would replace the city gates that were previously used in earlier civilizations (Virilo, 2012). The following diagram shows an activity of traffic control where people and luggage are thoroughly monitored to ensure the safety of the developed city. However, globalization has almost eliminated these boundaries that were once clear to all. The Berlin Wall was destroyed ensuring residents from either side can wander off into the alternative. Terms like “to go into town” that was common in this era were eliminated as time overtakes the space occupied due to constant motion and activity of exit and entry from the urban areas (Virilo, 2012).
Citizens have their bags checked at an airport for illegal items and substances
The difference between “near” and “far” ceased to exist in a world where development of technology has created faster communication and transportation. In the current times, the urban areas are more exposed to the outside world. There is no longer a sense of introversion from its members as interaction is the key to maintain the multinational economy. No one can really tell where the city begins and where it ends as members of the community are drawn to exercise the liberties of movement (Virilo, 2012). The major urban areas have now become less populated with many opting out to less developed regions. There are numerous questions arising from this realization that could be used for further research. What are the effects of post-modernity on the field of architecture? What is the role of technology in the effects of post-modernity? What is the most appropriate means of curbing the effect of overexposure in the modern day cities?
Reference
Virilo, P. (2012) “The Overexposed City.” In The Lost Dimension . Los Angeles, Semiotext(e).
