Gentrification

(Week 1: Presentation)

What is “gentrification”?

The word “gentrification” was created in 1964 by Ruth Glass, a British sociologist, after her observation of the alterations in the social structure and housing markets in certain areas in London. According to the dictionary, “gentrification” is defined as “the process of conforming to an upper- or middle-class lifestyle, or of making a product, activity, etc., appealing to those with more affluent tastes.”

The main aim of gentrification is to improve the area, economy, and quality of life of the residents. Gentrification occurs in areas that have been going through a period of disinvestment, which is when the median income of residents reduces, businesses within the area move out, and buildings are left in poor condition.

Gentrification has both positive and negative effects on the area and its residents. Gentrification always brings in new facilities to the area as new businesses will be introduced, and the land, parks, and buildings will be renovated. On the other hand, gentrification can negatively affect longtime residents who can not afford a new lifestyle. Therefore, the locals can be replaced by wealthier newcomers. As a result, local business will begin to fall because the demands and preferences of residents will change according to the newcomers. Additionally, for those who can afford to stay in the gentrifying area, they may feel isolated in their own communities as the character and culture of their neighbourhood change.

Architectural Examples of Gentrification:

New York

Over 30 years, New York has been experiencing gentrification. Many of the original residents have managed to stay until today. They appreciate the gentrified environment as they can raise their family in a better neighbourhood.

However, some struggle to stay and are forced to leave due to financial reasons. In 2003, gentrification caused 225,000 renters to move out of their neighbourhood because they could not afford the higher rent.

San Francisco

USA San Francisco is a well diverse city in terms of arts, festivals, music and architecture and creating changes in the country. In a city where IT (Google) is always developing, engineers and IT professionals are repeatedly out on hunts.

People who are working under this profession benefited with a great offer, examples like free buses (only for people working for Google) causes outsiders who do not qualify or those who do not operate under that category a hard time.

Mexico City, Mexico

As new improvements are coming out to Mexico City with trendy stores and labels, gentrification occurs, the CBD areas become more expensive for original locals.

To conquer this idea of Gentrifications,

• such neighbourhoods like La Roma is offering local markets,
• increasing street art expressing the economic issue and communicate the message to locals and visitors

Lisbon, Portugal

The attraction for Lisbon and its name as a multicultural place is populating the eyes of wealthier residents. In the makings of a “laid back, international cultural environment,” construction is always in actions.

This movement is creating hardships for locals as their city is transforming to benefit the well off and upper class.

Conclusion

• The differences between new and old residents, and between new and old buildings are apparent.
• A barrier between people is created socially as the differences lead people to divide into classes and races.
• Class and race divisions cause social isolation within the communities.
• Creating a clear hierarchy with the lower class, upper class and those in-between.
• Architectural wise, gentrification is possible when landlord up the rent amount so low-income families are being forced to leave. The idea of original inhabitants replaced.
• Vaguely reinforcing a clear difference in the positions of social standards.

With the aim of developing an area for better economic and lifestyle, gentrification may seem to benefit people who live in the area. However, in reality, gentrification often impacts the local residents negatively due to the higher cost of living and the displacement of existing communities by wealthier newcomers. This fact made me wonder if we can reconsider how gentrification should be done. Is it possible to make gentrification beneficial to everyone, both the locals and newcomers? How can gentrification connect people instead of dividing them into classes and races?