Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
INTRODUCTION
T
his literature review investigates a range of material relevant to the topic of culturally appropriate urban futures in Dili, Timor Leste. The structure of the review has taken a somewhat unconventional approach, as there exists little to no academically rigorous literature pertaining to issues of urban and
cultural identity and vernacular architecture in Timor-Leste. As such, this review will serve as a fundamental resource for future research projects in the field, drawing together research from a variety of disciplines including history, urban planning, architecture and sociology in order to inform new research into a field which is as yet untouched by the global academic community. This document will compare and evaluate a diverse range of sources and identify relationships of interest between the viewpoints, approaches and methodologies as they have been in their various contexts. Through this process it is hoped that a framework could be developed for design of the built environment in Dili and greater Timor-Leste, which not only responds to the unique physical development requirements of the city, but also expresses and empowers local identity and traditions. The identification of this area of inquiry eventuated during a volunteering expedition in November and December of 2010 which encompassed time in Dili (the capital of Timor-Leste), Baucau (the former capital of Portuguese Timor) and multiple villages in the Railaco region of Timor Leste. As a participant in this trip, which involved construction of a primary school in Railaco Craic, the Researcher gained insight into the unique cultural, social and urban conditions of the Dili in particular. Discussion with both Timorese nationals and foreigners employed and/ or volunteering in Dili confirmed that in terms of development, Timor Leste is in a unique position. Whilst the nation is addressing crucially important issues such as sanitation, education, violence and political stability, issues of housing, commercial development, public infrastructure and community facilities are also of importance to future and current developments. From the arrival in 1515 and subsequent colonisation of the Portuguese in 1702 to their independence in 2002, development in Timor Leste has reflected foreign cultural ideals based on the occupying country in power. As a new republic Timor Leste is now in a position to create and implement new culturally reflective frameworks for development and design. Literature has been selected for inclusion in this review on the basis of relevance to vernacular architecture and traditions, urban identity, urban development in third world and developing nations, and at a more detailed level, understanding of Timorese culture, demographics, history and aspirations. The apparent lack of information and literature available could be interpreted as both a constraint and an opportunity to furthering the research in this field of study. While access to a greater wealth of historic and cultural information relating to the built environment and lifestyle of the Timorese would be useful in conducting this study, the opportunity identified by this project is to initiate and promote discussion of the cultural values and physical needs of Dili residents, such that design practices and frameworks for understanding and delivering urban development in Dili are aligned with the unique cultural identity of the people and the place.
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
URBANISM
T
he case of Dili, Timor-Leste cannot be analysed within the conceptual framework of urbanism as it relates to highly developed global cities due to their vastly different characteristics. As such it is necessary to select an appropriate conceptual framework through which to interpret the city of Dili for
the purposes of this study. “Like a piece of architecture, the city is a construction in space, but one of vast scale, a thing perceived only in the course of long spans of time. City design is therefore a temporal art... At every instant, there is more than the eye can see, more than the ear can hear, a setting or a view waiting to be explored. Nothing is experienced by itself, but always in relation to its surroundings, the sequences of events leading up to it, the memory of past experiences... Every citizen has long associations with some part of his city, and his image is soaked in memories and meanings.” (Lynch 1960) Lynch identified a framework for perceiving an “environmental image” - which for the purpose of this study could be a city, a village, a street, a building, or any number of environments. The flexibility of this framework being applicable to the analysis of any scale of environment is of particular relevance. The framework identifies three areas for analysis of the “image” of an environment, place or city - identity (defining a unique, separate entity and its’ boundaries), structure (spatial and pattern relationships between the object and the observer) and meaning (practical and/ or emotional - this is often unique to the observer). Also of relevance to this discussion is the need to reconcile, at a fundamental level, the disparities between village and city life. As a central hub of commerce, education and employment, the city attracts migrants and commuters from its’ surrounding villages (Miles 2007; Lynch 1960; Afshar 1999). Afshar makes the distinction that “the city is large, heavily built-up, densely populated, well-serviced, with major industries, modernized (westernized?), cosmopolitan, diverse in culture, function and activity, impersonal, a centre of political and economic power, dominating its rural hinterland, etc. Villages are small, less built-up, sparsely populated, poorly serviced, with small, often agriculture-related industries and craft occupations, more linked to the local, traditional culture, more homogeneous, more personal, with less political and economic clout, more balanced with its rural hinterland, etc.” These general definitions are commonly accepted amongst authors, with (Mumford 1961 p.12) also drawing similar conclusions about the simplicity of village life and a greater connection amongst members of the village community as compared to the city. Furthermore, (Mumford 1961 p.15) elucidates the transition from village to city life, saying, “The order and stability of the village along with its maternal enclosure and intimacy and its oneness with the forces of nature, were carried over into the city: if lost in the city at large, through its over-expansion, it nevertheless remains in the quarter or the neighbourhood.”
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
CITIES & CULTURAL IDENTITY
E
xtensive research has been conducted into the nature of the relationships between individuals and communities to their place of habitation and/ or origin. Of particular relevance to this field of study are concepts of the cultural landscape, cities and cultures and post-colonial urbanism. The concept of the cultural landscape originated in 1895 in the field of geography and has grown to
be understood as, “landscape modified, physically and visibly, by humans... confined to the distinctive characteristics that are due to human activity and are considered particularly valuable form a certain point of view, such as that of ecology, archaeology or history.” (Arntzen & Brady, 2008). Within this definition of the cultural landscape, and in consideration of the fact that at this point in history not much of the natural landscape is truly untouched by human activity, recent research and debate has begun to include various other environments, including urban environments within the scope of the cultural landscape. Authors such as Edward S Casey, Warwick Fox and Mick Smith who deal with environmental ethics and philosophy have focused on these various environments, “and on place as the anchor of human identity.” (Arntzen & Brady, 2008) Studies into the significance of the cultural landscape have taken a narrative approach, where one “reads” human and natural history through analysis of the cultural landscape and the meaning locally associated with it, shedding light of the reciprocal relationship between humans and their environment. Aligned with Lynch’s concepts of the city as an image, Arntzen quotes Lisen Bull in highlighting the “identity value” of the cultural landscape, stating that, “Many cultural landscapes somehow represent or embody people’s sense of identity, the sense of who they are and where they belong, at the local, regional or national level, or as members of an ethnic group.” (Arntzen, 2008). Literature identifies a reciprocal relationship between cities and culture, identifying that the two entities are in a state of constant mutual influence (Southall 1973; Miles 2007; Rapoport 2005). It is noted that cities, through their distinct lifestyles and practices produce culture, whilst also being shaped and reproduced over time due to cultural consumption. (Miles 2007)
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE & TRADITIONS
A
n extensive and varied body of research, vernacular architecture and traditions has been commonly “associated with the past, underdevelopment, and poverty”, with little interest being paid to the “archievements, experience, and skills of vernacular builders or the environmentally and culturally
appropriate qualities of the buildings they produce.” (Asquith & Vellinga 2006). The writing of Asquith and Vellinga demonstrates a commitment to challenging the traditional view of the vernacular as “counter development”, but rather promote study of the vernacular as a means for design and other professionals to respond more appropriately to the forces currently shaping the world – such as “environmental crises, climate 4
Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
change, political and economic globalization, cultural interaction and conflict caused by migration, tourism and war and rapid technological advancement.” (Asquith & Vellinga 2006). So too does Alsayyad frame the vernacular as a source of contribution to new methods of problem solving and innovation in the built environment. Furthermore, Alwayyad frames his work as distinct from early research which treats vernacular buildings as a “static legacy from the past” and studies these vernacular “objects” in their social settings for historic purposes. Rather, he proposes that his work, along with the work of Asquith and Vellinga, is activistoriented. This new framework of analyzing and learning from the vernacular relates strongly and dynamically to the previously discussed notions of place, identity and the cultural landscape.
HISTORY OF TIMOR-LESTE & DILI
T
o date, research has not identified any literature which provides a comprehensive history of Dili and its’ evolution as a city. Timorese Government documents outlining the regional topography, demographics, languages, structures for governance, planning processes, and the impact of violence in
1999 are available and provide insight into the basic circumstances of the city. (Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management 2010) In addition, memoirs and interviews are another source of descriptive history. Cultural and physically, the violence of September 1999, has greatly impacted most areas of Timor Leste. According to the Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management: On August 30, 1999 the Indonesian Province of East Timor voted almost 80% in favor of independence from Indonesia. The UN organized and administered ballot was immediately followed by a devastating wave of violence and retribution by pro-autonomy 3 supporters and militia. The material and human damaged sustained in this post-ballot violence was devastating. At least one person was killed in 30% of the sucos during this violence with 67 persons killed in Dili District. The number of burned houses ranges from 50% to 90% in many sucos; the worse affected area was Metinaro. The less affected areas are the more isolated villages in the hills. One survey found that 7,165 houses were destroyed in Dili District alone. The physical signs of this and other violence during the Indonesian occupation of Timor Leste are still highly evident in the fabric of the city of Dili. One of many areas of research not yet addressed in the academic community is how these physical reminders of violence and oppression influence the culture of Dili as a city, and conversely, what is the prevalent culture shaping the evolution and development of Dili? Current approaches to development in Dili are focused on Infrastructure, with priority areas including water supply and sanitation, housing and urban planning – although the issue of culturally empowering
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
architecture and urban design has not been broached – electricity supply, roads and bridges, transport, and communications. (World Bank 2010)
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
CONCLUSION
W
hilst academic research into the built environment of Timor Leste and Dili is in its infancy, there exists sufficient reference material in a variety of fields such as history, sociology, vernacular architecture, cultural identity and geography to undertake a vast array of projects inquiring into
culturally responsive design in Timor Leste. Based on the review of this literature, it is evident that an academically rigorous review of the relationship between culture and the city of Dili would be a valuable starting point in prompting thought and discussion of culturally responsive architecture and design in Timor Leste. By drawing together resources such as detailed mapping, analysis of the prevalent culture of Dili and compilation of a history of the evolution of Dili, a narrative of the cultural landscape of Dili could be constructed. It is hoped that by gaining insight into the cultural dynamics, and vernacular traditions of Dili and Timor Leste, suggestions could be made as to the future direction of the cultural landscape of the city and its surrounds, a proposal which shall be expanded upon in future literature.
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
REFERENCE LIST
1.
Khan, S. S. (2009) The Aga Khan rural support programme : a journey through grassroots development, Oxford University Press, Karachi.
2. Serageldin, I. (1997) The architecture of empowerment : people, shelter and livable cities, Academy Editions, London. 3. Blakely, E. J. and Ellin, N. (1997) Architecture of fear, Princeton Architectural Press, New York. 4. Miles, M. (2007) Cities and cultures, Routledge, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon ; New York. 5. Lim, W. S. W. (1990) Cities for people : reflections of a Southeast Asian architect, Select Books, Singapore. 6. Gugler, J. (1997) Cities in the developing world : issues, theory, and policy, Oxford University Press, New York. 7. Gilbert, A. and Gugler, J. (1992) Cities, poverty, and development : urbanization in the Third World, Oxford University Press, Oxford ; ; New York. 8. Agnew, J. A., Mercer, J. and Sopher, D. E. (1984) The City in cultural context, Allen & Unwin, Boston. 9. Mumford, L. (1989) The city in history : its origins, its transformations, and its prospects, Harcourt Brace & Co., San Diego. 10. Rapoport, A. (2005) Culture, architecture, and design, Locke Science Pub. Co., Chicago. 11. (2008) Democratic governance in Timor-Leste : reconciling the local and the national / edited by David Mearns ; assistant editor: Steven Farram, Charles Darwin University Press, Darwin. 12. Hedley, P. W. W., Queensland University of Technology. School of Architecture, I. and Design., I. (1995) Design and culture : the collaborative experience, Queensland University of Technology, School of Architecture, Interior and Industrial Design, [Brisbane, Qld.] 13. Fox, J. J. and Soares, D. B. (2000) East Timor : out of the ashes ; the destruction and reconstruction of an emerging state, Crawford House Publishing, Australia. 14. Taylor, J. G. (1999) East Timor : the price of freedom, Zed Books Ltd. : Annandale, N.S.W. : Pluto Press, New York. 15. Carey, P. B. R. and Bentley, G. C. (1995) East Timor at the crossroads : the forging of a nation, Cassell, London. 16. AlSayyad, N. (1992) Forms of dominance : on the architecture and urbanism of the colonial enterprise, Avebury, Aldershot.
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
17. Arntzen, S. and Brady, E. (2008) Environmental philosophy and cultural landscape in Humans in the land : the ethics and aesthetics of the cultural landscape, Unipub, Oslo. 18. Arntzen, S. (2008) The Complex Cultural Landscape: Humans in the Land, Preservation and Change in Humans in the land : the ethics and aesthetics of the cultural landscape, Unipub, Oslo. 19. Bangsa, B. A. and Grolier International, I. (1996) Indonesian heritage, Published by Buku Antar Bangsa for Grolier International : Distributed exclusively by PT. Widyadara, Jakarta. 20. BastĂŠa, E. (2004) Memory and architecture, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque. 21. Alexander, C. (1964) Notes on the synthesis of form, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. 22. Parkinson, C. (2010) Peace of wall : street art from East Timor / Chris Parkinson. Forward by Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, Affirm Press, Mulgrave, Vic. 23. Bishop, R., Phillips, J. and Yeo, W.-W. (2003) Postcolonial urbanism : Southeast Asian cities and global processes, Routledge, New York. 24. Browder, J. O. and Godfrey, B. J. (1997) Rainforest cities : urbanization, development, and globalization of the Brazilian Amazonia, Columbia University Press, New York. 25. Dutton, T. A. and Mann, L. H. (1996) Reconstructing architecture : critical discourses and social practices, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, Minn. 26. Rei, N. (2007) Resistance : a childhood fighting for East Timor / Naldo Rei, University of Queensland Press, St Lucia, Qld. 27. Berkes, F. (2008) Sacred ecology, Routledge, New York. 28. (2010) Step by step : women of East Timor, stories of resistance and survival / edited by Jude Conway, Charles Darwin University Press, Darwin, N.T. 29. Smith, D. A. (2000) Third world cities, Routledge, New York. 30. Federer, J. (2005) The UN in East Timor : building Timor Leste, a fragile state, Charles Darwin University Press, Darwin. 31. Southall, A. W. (1973) Urban anthropology : cross-cultural studies of urbanization, Oxford University Press, New York ;London. 32. Gugler, J. (1996) The Urban transformation of the developing world, Oxford University Press, Oxford ; New York. 33. Asquith, L. and Vellinga, M. (2006) Vernacular architecture in the twenty-first century : theory, education and practice, Taylor & Francis, London ; New York.
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Jessica Clare Graham N4999886
Culturally Informed Urban Development & the Role of the Vernacular in Present & Future Dili, Timor Leste.
34. (2010) The State of Asian Cities 2010/11, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Fukuoka, Japan. 35. Lynch, K. (1960) The image of the city, MIT Press, Cambridge [Mass.] 36. (2010) District Development Plan – Dili, Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management, Timor Leste. Accessed: 28 April 2011 at http://www.estatal.gov.tl/Documents/District%20Development%20Plans%20and%20Profiles/Dili/Dili %20District%20_eng.pdf
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