Effects of War and Politics on Architecture: Socio-Political Aspects of Changes in Modern Architecture

Effects of War and Politics on Architecture: Socio-Political Aspects of Changes in Modern Architecture

– Inayat Pardeshi

M.A. Psychology (Sem. 4), Vivekanand College of Arts, Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Contact: inayat.pardesi@gmail.com

Abstract:

Lebbeus Woods, Paul Hirst have researched on war and architecture of modern urbanizations; built due to warfare and political violence. But continuity in recent wars between Arabs and Israel, Ukraine and Russia are showing protective-flexible architectures in war zones of new age. Border states of Russia and neighbouring countries are building movable and more protective households. Palestinian, Lebanese houses are being built more cheaper and warzone-familiar specially in Gaza. These regions are having special zones in most of households to have stock of food, water, ammunitions, rescue and to escape also. New colonies in Lebanon and Gaza region are having safety escapes for women family members. Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Azharbaijan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria are the countries who are developing warzone architecture for settlements on intense borders. In India and Pakistan, after demolition of article 370; new settlements in Kashmir are being architectured with war-emergency-shortage-escape-movability aspects. Changing intensity of world politics is making wars more longer and frequent. Wars are causing severe effects on households and their constructions, safety measures especially for women and kids, water-food supply. Most of the war effected countries are developing new types of homes and colonies, which are well prepared to face wars and political emergencies. Public places of border states are also being architectured as prepared war zones like theatres, swimming tanks, gymnasiums, schools. The third world who had Ghettos, is trying to manage with war frequencies in preparation manner with architecture. Defence architecture of war affected countries is developing to handle issues of political emergencies, violence, safety and rescue. Citizens are becoming victims and security personnel in border states of India, using locations to retaliate and survival. This research paper highlights changing forms of defence architecture in warzones, politically sensitive parts of the world as per gender & urbanization are concerned.

Key Words: Border House, Rescue Zones, Refuge Area, Escape Ways, Sensitive Urbanization, Disaster Architecture, Emergency Settlements.

1. Introduction:

   Architecture is being changed as per changing weather, socio-political atmosphere all over the world for safety, privacy and protection with attacking stands also. Elite and administrative constructions have more priorities to safety, privacy, security of women, children than pleasure. Elite construction sites are being built for attacking facilities also for the protection of own family, women, children, state machinery. Police headquarters, Bungalows of ministers, collectorate, offices of political parties are some examples of elite architecture. Some streams of social

   activist, environmentalists see architecture as an invasion of technology on agriculture and nature. Some of those propose sustainable development through eco-friendly architecture models along with minimal space occupying construction designs; opposing to wars, communal tensions. Few architects emphasis on disaster management methods with protection measures in architectural developments. This research paper aims to highlight basic changes in main architecture, models and styles; caused due to wars and politics in the world.

   War and politics are changing safety measures and especially architecture of staying households all over the world since the ancient times. It's natural instinct to have secure houses as protection from natural and human made insecurities. In ancient times, humans had caves, underground hidden spaces for protection. As civilizations have been developed, forts, colonies, cities, dockyards were architectured for safety, protection, privacy and pleasure also. Medieval architectures like Mughal, Rajput constructions i.e. Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort etc. were actually expressing hugeness, power of state machinery and supremacy of central, state political powers. Mughal architecture caused the show of hugeness of central power force through the hugeness and strenghthy buildings. Modern architecture contains more facilities of strength, multipurpose construction, privacy, pleasure along with safety, protection and power expression. British administrative architecture in Indian metro cities have these aspects also. Gothic styled constructions in Mumbai i. e. Queen Victoria Terminus, Gateway of India, Royal Asiatic Library, Queen's Zoo, Botanical Garden etc. are the architectures constructed not only for administrative strength, but for the expressions of government's supremacy, powerful state machinery also. Jails constructed by British and French powers in India are also researched as state functioning and execution facilities. Architecture of jails was constructed for compulsion and sentenced discipline. But new theories in jail architecture are recommending more human and clean architecture for the change in prisoners' lifestyles. Cellular Jail in Andaman Island is historical heritage site developed by archaeological survey of India and it's recommending changes in newly constructed jails for more human architecture.

   Architecture is being changed as per changing weather, socio-political atmosphere all over the world for safety, privacy and protection with attacking stands also. Elite and administrative constructions have more priorities to safety, privacy, security of women, children than pleasure. Elite construction sites are being built for attacking facilities also for the protection of own family, women, children, state machinery. Police headquarters, Bungalows of ministers, collectorate, offices of political parties are some examples of elite architecture. This research paper aims to highlight basic changes in main architecture styles caused due to wars, politics in the world. War and politics are changing safety measures and especially architecture of staying households all over the world since the ancient times. It's natural instinct to have secure houses as protection from natural and human made insecurities. In ancient times, humans had caves, underground hidden

   spaces for protection. As civilizations have been developed, forts, colonies, cities, dockyards were architectured for safety, protection, privacy and pleasure also. Medieval architectures like Mughal, Rajput constructions i.e. Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort etc. were actually expressing hugeness, power of state machinery and supremacy of central, state political powers. Mughal architecture caused the show of hugeness of central power force through the hugeness and strenghthy buildings. Modern architecture contains more facilities of strength, multipurpose construction, privacy, pleasure along with safety, protection and power expression. British administrative architecture in Indian metro cities have these aspects also. Gothic styled constructions in Mumbai i. e. Queen Victoria Terminus, Gateway of India, Royal Asiatic Library, Queen's Zoo, Botanical Garden etc. are the architectures constructed not only for administrative strength, but for the expressions of government's supremacy, powerful state machinery also. Jails constructed by British and French powers in India are also researched as state functioning and execution facilities. Architecture f jails was constructed for compulsion and sentenced discipline. But new theories in jail architecture are recommending more human and clean architecture for the change in prisoners' lifestyles. Cellular Jail in Andaman Island is historical heritage site developed by archaeological survey of India and it's recommending changes in newly constructed jails for more human architecture(Nath, Hemantika, Vol.1, No.1, 15th September, 2021)

2. Methodology:

   Architecture has been researched worldwide as per technological and historical perspectives. But architecture has dimensions of defence, feminism, politics, environment with economics. Researchers promoting sustainable development models of architecture and suggesting eco- friendly, disaster resistant, safer, financially easier models of architecture in war prone zones, communally sensitive regions. According to sustainable development, the science and implementation of architecture minimizes the negative environmental impact of buildings through improved efficiency with moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem at large. Sometimes, sustainable architecture focuses on the social aspect of sustainability also. Sustainable development architecture uses a conscious approach for energy and ecological conservation in the design of the environment. The term 'sustainability' in relation to architecture has been mostly considered through the lenses of building technology and transformations. Going beyond the technical sphere of 'Green design', invention and expertise, some scholars are starting to position architecture within the much broader cultural framework of the human interrelationship with nature. Adopting this framework allows tracing a rich history of cultural debates about humanity's relationship to nature and the environment, from the point of view of different historical and geographical contexts. Architects and social activists have researches on concept of eco-friendly architecture. They recommend anti war strategies and environmentalists strategies to prevent crisis against lesser natural resources.(Amany, El-Shimy, Hisham, Ragheb, Ghada, 12, 2016).Researchers like Rajiv Shah, Jay Kesan recommend changes in urban and architectural planning for the protection from war, crimes, disasters and water,

   environment crisis(Shah Rajiv, Kesan Jay, 24, 20 April, 2021). This research paper uses methodology of sustainable development approach towards architecture with liberal- humanitarian-environmentalist perspective. This research paper also focuses on feminist standpoint about architectural safeguards in war time for women and children.

3. Hypothesis:

   1. Architecture all over the world is being changed as per socio-political issues and safety measures.

   2. Human natural instinct of security, privacy causing changes in architecture styles.

   3. State machinery indicates its supremacy, powers through the architecture since the state emerged.

   4. Recently frequent wars, communal tensions are changing architecture styles more safe, protective with attacking, self defence facilities all over the world.

   5. Financial status affects architecture and changes architecture styles.

4. Aims:

   1. To highlight changes in architecture styles happening due to wars, political tensions.

   2. To show feminist aspects of safety measures, basic needs in architecture all over the world.

   3. To indicate state's changing expressions of it's supremacy through the architecture.

   4. Architecture on the borders of communally sensitive nations is more flexible and effective than metro cities, administrative cities.

   5. Financial changes and up-downs affects architecture and it's strength also. Financial changes change architecture.

      Modern architecture is continuously affected by socio-political tensions, wars, disasters, natural calamities. Changes are developed in security measures, financial costs, eco-friendly equipments for constructions, minimal space models, technological allowances.

5. Impacts of War on Architecture:

   War and conflict have significant impacts on the architectural landscape of Indias border regions. These impacts include the development of infrastructure for military purposes, the construction of fortifications and defensive structures, and the potential for damage or destruction of existing buildings and settlements during conflict. Additionally, war can lead to displacement and resettlement, impacting the architectural character of border areas. Military Infrastructure Development:

   Border regions often see the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields to facilitate military movement and logistics. This can alter the landscape and impact the existing architectural context.

   1. Fortifications and Defensive Structures:

      Forts, bunkers, and other defensive structures are built to protect border areas and military installations. These structures can have a distinct architectural style and impact the surrounding environment.

   2. Damage and Destruction:

      War and conflict can cause significant damage or destruction of buildings, settlements, and historical sites in border regions. This can lead to the loss of cultural heritage and the displacement of residents.

   3. Displacement and Resettlement:

      Conflict can lead to displacement and resettlement of populations, impacting the architectural fabric of border areas. New settlements may be constructed, and existing ones may be abandoned or altered.

   4. Architectural Styles:

      The architectural styles in border regions may reflect the influence of military structures, defensive needs, and the impact of conflict. For example, the construction of defensive fortifications might lead to a shift in building materials and styles to better withstand attack.

   5. Economic Impact:

      Conflict can also have a significant economic impact on border regions, affecting trade, tourism, and other industries.

   6. Examples of Wars Impact on Architecture:1.Sino-Indian War (1962):

   The war led to the development of military infrastructure in the Himalayas, including roads and airfields, to facilitate military operations in civilian colonies and homes too.

   1. Indo-Pakistan Wars:

      The wars between India and Pakistan have resulted in the construction of fortifications and defensive structures along the border, as well as damage to settlements and infrastructure.lThe Kargil conflict highlighted the importance of high-altitude infrastructure and led to increased

      attention to the development of border roads and other military facilities, availed at local homes also.

   2. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War :

      The Russia-Ukraine war has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian architecture, causing widespread destruction of historical and cultural landmarks, as well as modern buildings, as well as modern buildings. Cities like Kharkiv have suffered immense damage, with significant loss of housing, cultural institutions, and even historic structures. Beyond the immediate destruction, the war has also disrupted the construction industry, raised costs, and shifted the focus of architects towards survival and humanitarian efforts.

      1. Destruction and Damage:

         Russian forces have targeted and damaged numerous historic buildings, cultural institutions, andresidential areas, resulting in significant loss of architectural heritage.

      2. Displacement and Survival:

         The conflict has forced millions of people to flee, leading to a shift in architectural priorities, from designing new projects to addressing immediate housing needs for displaced populations.

      3. Construction Industry Disruption:

         The war has caused a surge in material costs and fuel prices, making construction more expensive and challenging.

      4. Focus on Humanitarian Efforts:

   Architects have turned their attention towards providing temporary shelter, restoring damaged infrastructure, and assisting displaced families, often on a volunteer basis.

   1. Reimagining and Reconstruction:

      As Kharkiv embarks on its recovery, global design competitions are underway to reimagine key landmarks like Freedom Square, aiming to rebuild and adapt to the challenges of the conflict.

   2. Impact on Soviet Modernism:

   The war has particularly impacted Soviet-era buildings, with some being completely demolished and others needing restoration.

   *Examples: Kharkivs Freedom Square: A major landmark, including the Regional Administration Building was heavily damaged by a missile strike, leaving the square scarred by the conflict.

   Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre: This important building was reduced to ruins during bombing.

   Derzhprom Building: This iconic constructivist building in Kharkiv has been recognized as a significant architectural achievement, but it also faces the threat of damage and destruction. (Callahan, Mally, 4679 25 March, 2022)

6. Communal Violence and Changing Architecture in India:

   Communal riots in India have a destructive impact on architecture, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and religious sites, leading to economic losses and social disruption. This damage not only affects infrastructure but also erodes community trust and unity, weakening the social fabric. The physical destruction and economic consequences of communal violence can have long-lasting effects on affected communities.

   1. Destruction of Homes :

      Communal violence often targets residential areas and businesses, leading to damage and destruction of buildings, causing financial losses for individuals and businesses. In Mumbai riots of 1992-1993, Chawls and some cooperative societies were destroyed. Since that more secured and protective colonies, apartments with refuge area, gyms are being architectured in Mumbai.

      1. Destruction of Places of Worship:

      Religious sites, including mosques, temples, and churches, can be desecrated or damaged during riots, impacting religious communities and cultural heritage. Communal violence of 1992-1993 riots caused Destruction of various places of worship. Since those incidents, mosques, temples are being constructed more packed for security and protection. Mostly CCTV cameras on packed gates and doors are stored in mosques, temples(Peer, Basharat, In Indias Largest Ghetto, The Hindu, Chennai, 20, 19 June, 2015)

7. Feminist Approach in Architectural Development Due To Insecured Households:

   Feminist architecture often involves collaboration between architects, urban planners, social scientists, and other experts. It encourages architects to critically examine their own biases and to actively seek out diverse perspectives. Feminist design emphasizes the importance of involving users in the design process to ensure that their needs are met. Feminist architecture recognizes that buildings are not simply physical structures but also reflections of social and cultural values, and it seeks to use design to challenge and transform these values.

   1. Challenging Gendered Spaces:

      Feminist architecture critiques how traditional architectural design often reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the separation between the private and public spheres.

   2. Democratization of Space:

      urbanism aims to make cities more accessible and equitable for everyone, ensuring that all residents can use and benefit from public spaces.

   3. Transformative Change:

   Feminist architecture aims to not only improve physical spaces but also to challenge the underlying social and political structures that perpetuate inequality.

   *Examples of Feminist Architectural Urban Design:

   1. Equal Saree (Barcelona):

      This project explores how architecture and urban planning can be used to create more inclusive and equitable cities that consider the needs of all people. qual(Mili Sanchez Azcona, translated by Amellia Perez Bravo, 15, 20 December 2022,)

   2. Feminist Architecture as Urbanism in Denmark:

      This project focused on understanding how teenage girls use city spaces and what encourages them to be physically active, leading to design changes that better suit their needs.

   3. Minority Households with Protective Construction:

   In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka; households of religious minorities are being constructed more protective and secured from communal tensions and sexual violence. Most of the houses are recommended to construct ground underground escape ways for the protection of women and children. These shelters are called Dar Ul Aman in Pakistan, Bangladesh. (UN Women Asia and Pacific, More Than Shelter; Needs Assessment of Dar Ul Amans and Shelters in Pakistan,54, 2023)

8. Conclusion:

Narrowing socio-political spaces are caused by lesser resources. Insecurity and violence making architectural concerns for planners. Eco-friendly and cheaper financial sustainable architectures are recommend worldwide. Wars, communal tensions, environmental issues, destructions are worsening the architectural crisis. Hence architectural planners are suggesting more safe households and buildings all over the sensitive regions. Architecture must aim for security and independence for human kind instead of pleasure and narrowing spaces.

Architecture focuses on human basic needs of shelter with safety. But violations of nature, human values reinforcing architecture for day to day changes. Safety of human households indicates specially towards women and children. War and communal politics target them purposefully. Expenses on warfare and disaster management are now considering security measures for women and children in architecture. Developing and sensitive nations like India are

preferring secured houses not only in sensitive regions, but also in remote areas. Sustainable development is inclusive in terms of architecture by adopting eco-friendly, more protective construction models for humans. Wars and communal politics is getting countered by architecture as a basic human need all over the globe.

*References:

1. Nath, Hemantika, Reforms of Architecture of Prisons in India, International Conference on Technologies for Smart Green Connected Society, Bengaluru 15th September, 2021, Vol. 1, No.1, 2021)

2. Amany, El-Shimy, Hisham, Ragheb, Ghada, Green Architecture: A Concept of Sustainability, Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Sussex, 2016.

3. Shah Rajiv, Kesan Jay, How Architecture Regulates, Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, New Delhi, 20 April, 2021)

4. Callahan, Mally, The Other Casualty of The War In Ukraine- Architecture, North Eastern Global News, Moscow, 25 March, 2022).

5. Mili, Sanchez, Azcoa, translated by Amellia Perez Bravo,Equal Saree: Architecture and With Feminist Perspective In Barcelona, Architecture Daily Magazine, Mexico, 20 December 2022.

6. UN Women Asia and Pacific, More Than Shelter; Needs Assessment of Dar Ul Amans and Shelters in Pakistan, New York, 2023)

7. Peer, Basharat, In Indias Largest Ghetto, The Hindu, Chennai, 20, 19 June, 2015)

8. Woods, Lebbus, Anarchitecture: Architecture is a Political Act, University of Michigan, U.S.A., Academy Editions, Issue 22, 1992.

9. Hirst, Paul, Space and Power: Politics, War and Architecture, Polity Publishers, 1st Edition, Cambridge, England, 22 July, 2005).