The City of To-Morrow and Its Planning By Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier is a French architect who existed in the period between 1887 and 1965. Although born in Switzerland as Charles Eduardo Jeanerette, he moved to France where he authored this book in 1929.  In the book, the city of tomorrow and its planning, Le Corbusier supports the idea of Radiant city. The author seemed to favor the concept of industrialization and mechanization. According to him, technology and other sophisticated ways of doing things should be revolutionized.  The article venerates skyscrapers and recognizes the use of concurrent engineering techniques as a means of development. Although the city, of tomorrow and its planning is a highly accredited book, certain chapters in the book contain conflicting architectural conjecture.

            His article acknowledges the importance of diversity in the neighborhoods. The author appreciates urban centers as key drivers of the society. However, his assertions that people prefer living in the suburbs rather than in the central business is a lopsided idea. The author seems to have been influenced by western architecture. It is only in the west especially in the United States of America, where the population prefers acquiring residential houses in the suburbs. In other places like for instance China, people prefer living in the central business district. Those people claim that living in suburbs is expensive and that one has to move miles before arriving to work. The concept designing the central business district for commercial purposes is a western ideology.

            Le Corbusier seems to think that urban development is a gradual phenomenon. He further believes that change must be brought about by indirect measures such as increase in population density. This is slightly far from the truth, in the recent past cities, in certain parts of the world, have experienced rapid population growth. City planning could not match with the pace at which the population was increasing. Unlike Le Corbusier’s theory of urban planning, cities need to be planned in respect to current needs. City planning should be a spontaneous exercise guided by natural factors such as population growth and environmental changes.

            The author recommends adoption of advanced technology and use of synthetic building material in construction. His views in this regard are a threat to the environment. With increased levels of carbon in the atmosphere, city development must comply with environmental regulations. Architectural designs or any form of urban planning must be environmental friendly. Le Corbusier’s theories on the use of technology and fabricated construction material are in contrast with current construction techniques. He expresses his indifference to the environment use of synthetic building materials poses a danger to the environment. Currently, the world is in need of greener technologies in order to protect the environment.

            In the article, the author suggests that skyscrapers should litter city centers. To him skyscrapers in the middle of the city are a sign of sophistication and represents commercial activities. This is not entirely correct, skyscrapers,in the middle, pose a significant danger in these times of terrorism. Tall buildings are regarded as prime targets by terrorists. Erecting tall buildings in the middle of the city presents security challenges. In the event of fire or terrorist attacks on skyscrapers, the city can witness high causalities. Highly erected building further poses a challenge to the environment; the author’s approach reflects old school thinking. In the past, most architects used to think that a charming city should be littered with skyscrapers and should be built on cosmetic building material.