I recently returned from my post-graduation tour of Europe where I visited a number of European capitals and cities of note. I was very impressed by the way these cities were able to mix a blend of old and new as well as provide exemplary mass transit. Reading a story in the WaPo I found myself thinking about these cities. The story is Push to Rebuild Brings Protest in Georgia's Capital. The story is centered on the debate taking place in Georgia about the direction they want to take their capital in. It is a perfect opportunity to discuss my thoughts on the issue in contrast with what is taking place in Georgia.
I cannot say that I have ever been to Georgia or its capital city, Tbilisi. The Post describes the city as
...an eclectic blend of winding alleys, overhanging wooden balconies, art nouveau detail and muscular Soviet architecture...
Sounds interesting enough. As usual, the fight comes over how to build in the city either to become a 21st-century high-rise metropolis or to keep it old and picturesque to draw tourists and an important revenue stream. It is a common argument not unfamiliar to people in the US. The constant battle between preservation and modernization is fought across the country.
The line should not be so definite. To make a successful international city requires a blending of the old and the new. For a developing country like Georgia, it cannot afford to forgo modernization in some of its architecture. The towers of glass and concrete have their place in the modern city and to deny that would bring only negatives to Georgia. Nor can a country afford to bulldoze the features of its capital unique. The history of a country, its culture, needs to be evident to those who come to the capital. Tbilisi needs what many cities in Europe have, an old city. Some in Tbilisi agree with me
"The wealthiest cities, they do have historic downtowns or centers, sometimes even creating one where there wasn't one," said Nato Tsintsabadze, secretary general of the Georgian branch of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, a conservation group. "But there is no basic understanding of heritage in this country." In Georgia, officials have heritage programs "because they have to, and they use it in some cases to show patriotism and so on. But I'm afraid that they think it is a field for luxury, and they say we are a poor country and we can't afford it."
Take it from me that touring a city full of modern towers of glass kinda sucks. Those might as well be anywhere. Why travel to Georgia for something you could see in any major American city? In addition, it is not as if you cannot have the old city one place and develop your financial district and modern center elsewhere. That is what works best. Have the area to show off the history where you can attract the tourists and elsewhere your modern capital to govern and draw investors. Keep the old city with the uniquely Georgian style. Design walking tours and highlight historical buildings. Place some museums for the cities visitors. The old city would be something missed if destroyed.
A number of American cities are redeveloping their downtowns along a European model with apartments, lofts, and other housing above storefronts. The mixture of commercial and residential reduces the need for cars and adds charm to a city. San Diego has down this with their Gas Lamp and Ball Park Districts and LA is attempting to redevelop their downtown. American cities are looking to generate what Georgia is in the process of destroying. The quest for investment should not obscure the need to retain the individuality of the city.
Besides retaining historic charm and character, an international city should have top-notch public transport. Subways, train, streetcars, buses, are all essential. The best cities allow the residents to go car free. It makes life much simpler, reduces pollution, and keeps the city clean. There is something about living in a city where you do not see cars in the streets. A city where cars are not needed would be impressive and put Tbilisi on par with many of the great European capitals and above most US cities.
One thing that I think is very important in designing an impressive city is a coherent style. To accomplish this requires strict zoning controls and a plan. This is lacking for the moment in the case of Tbilisi. The best example of what can be accomplished with strict control of zoning is Santa Barbara, California. Santa Barbara today is known for its Spanish style architecture, beaches, great weather and, University. The first two of these attributes can be attributed to conscious decision on the part of the SB County supervisors about development following a 1925 earthquake. A decision to feature a Spanish motif and a Spanish history have made Santa Barbara a premiere tourist destination while cities like Ventura that have arguable more Spanish heritage and better beaches lack notoriety.
"The urban heritage fabric has never been taken seriously. Everyone just kind of took it for granted," she said. But in Tbilisi, she sees "one of the most dense concentrations of historic buildings anywhere in Europe that still has its historic integrity, and that's what's being lost."
I am not confident that the historic charm and character of Tbilisi will survive this period of growth. The lure of foreign investors is probably just too much for the developing nation. A two-year moratorium was imposed on construction in the old part of the city but at this point, it has lapsed. Some buildings still have individual protection as historic properties but too few to maintain the urban heritage fabric. The Saakashvili government has energetically embraced the free market and privatization. The state has privatized resources such as forests, municipal water, energy and health care. The business friendly environment, The World Bank recently named Georgia the 18th-best country in which to do business, is not a sign that preservation will be taken seriously.
If the leaders of Georgia do wish to build a capital and a country on par with the industrial world they need to preserve their heritage. Part of this commitment is preserving the historic built environment unique to the Georgian culture. The proper blending of the past and the future should be the ideal for any aspiring city planner. Hopefully the Georgians take advantage of their opportunity.