Cities have been with us since the start of history. And as a city boy, I have always had an interest in checking them out, seeing what they could provide; studying their personalities, and comparing the different cities I have known. I’ve also been very interested in the changes in city life because of technology. And the attitudes of people to cities. It was fascinating for me to read of the so called ‘best’ cities of the world, especially since my own city wasn’t even on the list, and most of the best were cities that I’d never gotten to know. Though I did spend some time in Zurich, which was rated no. 2. London, by the way was in 53rd place. I think that what made them ‘best’ was that they were the most comfortable to live in.
It’s obvious to me, that subjective opinions aren’t worth much, so I won’t bother comparing my beloved home town to other cities. But I will say that while traveling around the world a bit, I did encounter some cities I especially liked, and two that made a very strong impression on me, and neither of those cities were mentioned in the top ten either. But then, looking into the matter I found one list of the most ‘liveable cities’ and another of the cities with the highest ‘quality of living’. So that was a reminder that different people look for different things. Not to speak of the difference between list makers. And if what you like most is listening to open air jazz concerts… or smoking in a bar… your choice of the most liveable city might be different from what is on the Mercer list.
Often, I fantasize about what my perfect city would be like. And my fantasies were given a push this week, when I heard that according to a recent census, for the first time in the history of the world, there are more people living in cities than in the country. Well, I have a lot of affection and love for the country too… but that is another story. I thought it wouldn’t take long now, till the majority of mankind was living in cities. We keep multiplying, and city living is more efficient than other methods of providing dwelling places for large numbers of people. On the other hand, there’s not much of the feeling of community when you’re stuck in a traffic jam on the freeway.
So what are we looking for in a city? Let’s try to be rational and objective. There are cities that make it next to impossible for the poor to live there, because they think the poor are an eyesore. And there are cities that are so concerned about the energy crisis, that they force people to cut down tall and beautiful trees because those trees cast shadows on solar panels which convert sunlight to electricity. Actually I get a kick out of hearing such stories, so if my readers know more, I would love to hear them. But aside from the humor, it seems about time that we put a lot of thinking and energy into planning cities that are truly integral with human needs. Many years ago, my son in law was studying architecture. And during his interview, before being accepted, a professor at the school told him, You know, if a doctor makes a mistake, and the patient dies… everyone is sorry. But they put the poor patient in the ground, and go on with living life. But if an architect designs a building with some serious mistakes, people might suffer for a hundred or more years; both those living in the building, and those who see it every day.
a modest mermaid in Jerusalem
One of the many subjects we encounter, when thinking about what a city should be like, is that of graffiti. There are many cities that see it as a nuisance, and either forbid it, or try to confine it. I can understand why some people dislike it. Unlike the museums, a budding young artist doesn’t have to be approved by a committee before he can show his work. And some louts enjoy painting vulgarities on the sides of buildings… and sometimes even on the works of others. But I enjoy it. I find the pictures and the words more stimulating and thought provoking than the aesthetic regularity of continuous walls. And I think there is a sense of community in seeing what everyone (who cares) wishes to put on the city street. Sometimes it’s an adornment, and sometimes it’s a challenge. But I, for one, will vote for free graffiti.
I also vote for free graffiti.
The graffiti artist Banksy said: “The people who run our cities don’t understand graffiti because they think nothing has the right to exist unless it makes a profit.”
Since writing this post I have received some mails that have caused me to rethink the whole issue. If the graffiti is really an imposition on the aesthetic sensibilities of some of the citizens, then it is not such a simple question. Maybe there should be parks that are dedicated to such free communication. I understand that in some places there are such ‘special’ places. Thanks for your comment Chris.
Shimon – I do love street art. Not, as you put it, the loutish tagging and obscenities. But I do sit on the fence on it. Some beautiful cities such as Prague have been so overwhelmed by a constant wall of garbage that it really alters the mood of the city.
As I am getting reactions to my post (not all of them published comments), I realize how much it bothers some people. But it also reminds me of an interchange I had with my mother, some 50 years ago. I was looking for a perfect apple for her, without any holes in it… and she said, “I wouldn’t want an apple that a worm or a bird wouldn’t want”. I guess we have to find the balance between design aesthetics, and being overly sterile.
I also like graffiti. I live on the high desert and often come across petroglyphs hundreds of years old carved onto the rocks. I tend to think that this is just an example of ancient graffiti–leaving our mark has always been part of the human condition. I suppose I can see how it might offend some people’s aesthetic sensibilities, but I think graffiti is a great reflection of popular culture.
I agree with you Jordan. It seems to be part of the human personality, and I actually enjoy seeing most graffiti. It reminds me of all the variations that society includes. But after receiving some letters expressing negative reactions, I suppose, like a lot of other things… maybe it would be better if there were certain places reserved for this sort of self expression.
Some graffiti is great art done with an awkward spraycan and I can’t even draw a stick man with a pen!
I think you’re too hard on yourself, GB. I can tell you with assurance, that if you ever get the urge… what you have to do is put some object in front of you, and just practice. Sometimes it takes a while. But it is a craft that most people can learn. And there is a lot of gratification as you start getting the hang of it. A friend of mine who started late in life said, “it’s like learning to write”. And it really is something you can learn and enjoy!
Shimon – here’s another interesting take on street art – http://marinachetner.com/2011/11/21/williamsburg-brooklyn-outdoor-art-gallery/
Thank you Bill. I’m so glad you introduced me to that post, which is wonderful, and also to the blogger. I’ve started to read, and find her very interesting.
Marina certainly has some wonderful insights there.
Shimon – and another, this time one of mine from over a year ago: http://billanders.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/imagine/
Thank you very much, Bill. That is a very interesting graffiti.