Post-War Planning and Reconstruction Methods - Research Paper Example

Post War Planning and Reconstruction Methods Students’ Name Institutional Affiliation Table of Contents Abstract 4 Literature Review 5 Introduction 5 Research Questions 8 Research Methodology 8 Case Study 1: Rebuilding Post War Berlin 9 Case Study 2: The Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Beirut 11 Case study 3: Post-war Reconstruction of Hiroshima 17 Analysis of the Case Studies 19 Conclusion 20 References 21 Abstract Post -war reconstruction emerged as mandatory field during and after World War II. These days, post war construction and planning re-arise in deferent nations and countries. Since housing and planning are seen as crucial to healing and recovering society, many theories came up with deferent reconstruction and re-planning methods. This paper is mainly made to provide an overview of the major strategies in post war planning. It sets up the successful post war rebuilding characters. It analyzes the group of relationships that form the reconstruction process. Beside the social factor, political, economic and environmental components should be taken in consideration. This study highlights the main possible ways to redevelop and raise the community through planning and reconstruction. Historical attempts provide further understanding to achieve success in the reconstructive efforts. However, cities affected by war have been hardly attracting attention in studies about societies on post war and reconstruction period. The two case studies available explored how post war reconstruction affected the societies and the efforts applied in shaping Berlin and Beirut cities in Germany and Lebanon respectively. Literature Review Introduction The term “Post-conflict” reconstruction is widely understood as a holistic, complex, and multi-dimensional process that encompasses effort to enhance simultaneously political (governance), military (restoration of law and order), economic (development and rehabilitation), and social conditions (reconciliation and justice) (Biefendorf, 2006). In 1945, at the end of World War II, nearly all of Asia and Europe, and parts of Africa were nothing but mere ruins. Battles and bombs had eased towns and cities out of existence, flattening them to the ground, and wiping out all signs of life. The war had taken 80 million lives and cost $1100 trillion dollars. From there, Post-War reconstruction emerged as nations needed to start rebuilding their countries. Many countries established ministries, organizations or funds to help the process of reconstruction. However, what does reconstruction mean? Reconstruction is defined in Oxford dictionary as "the act or process of building something that was damaged or destroyed again". Another definition is "the process of putting something (such as a country) back into a good condition" (Biefendorf, 2006). This definition is exhaustive of all the different aspects that need to be reconstructed, for example, health aspect, economic aspect, and most importantly, urban planning aspect. The following literature review briefly analyzes different strategies of post-war reconstructive methods. However, this section will highly focus on the urban planning, economic, social, and political strategies. The economic aspect reflects the process of creating a positive image of economic change (Biefendorf, 2006). Post-conflict reconstruction aims at consolidating peace and security to attain sustainable socio-economic development. The post-conflict economic reconstruction usually involves activities such as the distribution of relief aid, restoring of physical facilities and infrastructure, reestablishing of social services, creating the appropriate environment for the development of private sector, and implementing essential structural changes for the stability of macroeconomic and sustainable growth (Biefendorf, 2006). The social, economic approaches are applied in reconstruction process to ensure the social needs of the population such as human rights are respected and enjoyed (Biefendorf, 2006). Further social, economic reconstructing programs also include the provision of social amenities such as water, shelter, food, and other social requirements. Therefore, post war social reconstructive strategies are intended to bring back the normal lifestyle that victims of war used to lead. However, to ensure sustainability, the process should include far-reaching measures to such as introduction of housing projects to provide permanent shelters. Urban planning is one of the reconstructive strategies that all stakeholders should put into consideration. The reconstruction process of any city that has been damaged after war cannot be successful without out coming up with efficient urban planning strategies. Urban planning is the process of ensuring that all aspects are considered when restructuring new building or infrastructural facilities in any urban setting. Therefore, it is essentially critical to involve all stakeholders in the designing and restructuring process to avoid conflict during or after implementation. Study shows that failure to include cultural values and historical element in urban planning is important for the sustainability or the projects. Finally, political reconstructive strategies in the post war period includes coming up with political system that will drive the country forward by providing good leadership and governance (Biefendorf, 2006). It should be noted that most of the conflicts are politically motivated and thus the political solution and reconstructive strategies are instrumental in finding sustainable future. Further, political reconstructive measures can involve developing policies or legal amendments that provide democratic systems of governance and leadership positions. The main aim is to bring the warring parties together for a lasting solution. In his thesis titled “Sustainable Housing Strategies in Post-war Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip” Wazir Mohammad in the Construction Dept. Manager at Al-Azhar University, sought to study urban planning by looking at the reconstruction process in Gaza during the early and late 90s (El-Wazir, 2010). The study intended to determine the immediate requirements that should be considered by urban planners in post war scenario. The study showed that a plan for recovery and reconstruction must focus on both immediate needs and long-term development projects (El-Wazir, 2010). The state and the planners should ensure that the people have access to basic amenities before long term projects are implemented. However, Wazir Mohammad observed that urban planning plays a critical role in economic development of any city in a post war environment. Research Questions The following research questions are considered in this thesis paper: 1. What are the strategies and theories of post war reconstruction and planning? 2. How successful re-building and housing effect the society? 3. What are the lessons learnt from the study? Research Methodology The research uses the “Case Study” as the research methodology. Case study research methods are used to bring an understanding of a complex issue. It is expected to extend experience or add strength to what is already known in the previous research. Case studies are instrumental in emphasizing detailed contextual analysis of specific and limited number of events, conditions or occurrences and their relationships. Over the years, researchers and scholars have used method of case study as their research approaches in a variety of disciplines. In particular, social scientists have made wide use of case study as a qualitative research method in examining contemporary real-life situations and in providing the basis for the application of ideas as well as extension of methods. Case study method of research is defined as empirical inquiry, which investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. The method is applicable when the boundaries between context and phenomenon are not evident. Additionally, case studies are required when multiple sources of evidence are used. This paper explains wishes to use case study methods in analyzing and understanding the strategies and theories of post war reconstruction and planning and how successful re-building of housing impacts on the society. Case Study 1: Rebuilding Post War Berlin Based on the above observation, it should be noted that during World War II, carpet-bombing by Allied forces leveled up to 80 percent of the historic buildings in Germany’s main cities. This was unprecedented wave of destruction that prompted by the no less unexpected barbarity of the Nazis. As it was the case with other cities in Germany berlin lay in ruins when World War II ended. However, it should be remembered that other cities were as well ruined in a seemingly endless catalogue of annihilation. The cities included Magdeburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Münster, Frankfurt, Munich, Würzburg, Mainz, Xanten, Nuremberg, Worms, Brunswick, Freiburg, Hanover, and Dresden. Therefore, the entire country was reduced to rubble, which called for reconstruction process and bringing back Germany to its former glory. On this end, many damaged buildings had to be demolished, while others were to be destroyed in order to make way for reconstruction. The initial reconstruction work of was done by the Trümmerfrauen, who were dubbed as rubble women. Although many men killed in the war, the allies relied on women aging between 15 and 50 to carry out hard work of clean up. Further, with such damaging destruction, there was a severe shortage of living space and apartments in Germany immediately after the war. Consequently, many Germans were forced to live in emergency camps and others were held up in the largely damaged homes. According to many modernist city planners, the Germany destruction provided an opportunity to depart from the chaotic and tight inner cities of old in favor of wide boulevards and provision of airy apartment blocks. In West and East Germany, city planners set about redeveloping a radical break from the past. At the same time, even in the World War II, Nazi planners started envisioning a spatially divided city planning style intended to make German cities less prone and vulnerable to bomb damage. Further most modernists planners called for a departure from the medieval city centers that dominated Germany for many centuries. In the whole of Germany, buildings were developed in a hurry. By the end of 1960s, more than 570,000 residential units were already being built each year in West Germany. Consequently, in the 1970s, East Germany was also being quickly constructed by building new apartment blocks. However, the results were not always pretty. In the former West and East, the German cityscapes are dominated by high-rise apartment complexes, while many residents pine for the tight-knit neighborhoods, which existed before the war. Therefore, city centers too were forced to embrace modernism in their planning. Additionally, while function was prioritized over form, shopping streets in western Germany are almost indistinguishable from each other Albert Speer, who was the favorite architect for Adolf Hitler, was mandated to draw up plans of rebuilding Germany once the war ended. Hundreds of architects were involved, who helped to bring the modernist view of the new Germany by using the modernist ideas. Hitler favored bombastic boulevards and monumental buildings, although Hitler’s vision was never achieved, postwar Germany incorporated many of the modernist ideas that were promoted by the Nazis. hoverer it should be noted that after the war, a debate broke out in Germany on if to rebuild exact copies of the old structures or to radically move from pre-war Germany. Many Germans were of the opinion that that exact reproductions were the same as acting as if the war had never happen. Others observed that radical modernism ignored historical centuries of pre-war German. In addition, many people see Berlin as being successful in integrating the old with the new. However, Berlin has not been free of controversies. For example, this capital elected to tear down the capital building of the former East German as well as the communist government and the Palace of the Republic in order to provide way for reconstructing the original palace in the city. The city palace had badly been damaged in the war in 1950. However, currently, it is not clear if the palace will be built due to financial problems, while at the same time not everyone is supporting this project. Consequently, due to savings measures and economic crisis, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has postponed reconstructing the palace in its current term in office. This will be a deathblow to the palace rebuilding project. Although there is a wave of nostalgia gripping Germany, indications show that it is unlikely that many cityscapes such as the Frankfurt‘s skyline may change soon. However, it is expected that some of the ugliest modernist buildings will be redone while others will be demolished. Case Study 2: The Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Beirut Beirut lay in ruins by the end of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). The conflicts, which were seen by some people as a series of individual wars, were based on constantly shifting configuration of alliances as well as participants. Some of the major participants included Sunni and Shi’a religious factions, the Lebanese military and independent militias who involved members of the Maronite Christian and the communist party as well as Israel and Syria at various points in the war. Photo of Martyr is Square during the war, 1978. (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). The fierce fighting that was experienced by Lebanon for fifteen years, starting from 1975 left deep scars in some of its institutions while at the same time and crippling others. In this battle, more than over 150,000 were killed, of a total population of three million, while 300,000 were displaced, and around half a million emigrated (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). As the war continued, society was increasingly disintegrated based on the political, social as well as confessional grounds. Consequently, the prosperity that Lebanon people had witnessed before the war was destroyed. Additionally, the infrastructure developments were also devastated. On the other hand, the physical destruction of the Lebanon’s industrial and residential areas was immense. Since the population was desperate to stop the prolonged misery as well as to end the destruction of their country, the Taif Agreement of 1989, appeared to provide a great relief (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). It was significant and critical step towards reuniting the fighting factions of Lebanon and reconstructing and rehabilitating the country’s institutions. However, the Taif Agreement that is credited for stopping the Lebanon war and establishing accommodating changes to the social and political systems has brought serious socio and economic problems (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). At the same time, the agreement has left behind a political maze that sees Lebanon continue to struggle. The unsettled problems resulted in the disappointments among Christian groups, thus leading to the withdrawal from political affairs. 1990 of Gulf War left the Gulf States financially drained, thus forcing them to default on the financial commitments of over US$2,000 million meant for the reconstruction and rehabilitation the Lebanon (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). However, the country’s administration strived to reconstruct and rehabilitate the country from the destruction and devastation caused by the war. Although the T'aif Agreement helped in ending the war, it left some pitfalls including such as the fact that shifting the executive authority from the Maronite President of the Republic to the Council of Ministers that rendered the government one of collegiate decision-making. Consequently, while most of the executive powers of the president since the position was reduced to the “ceremonial category” (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). On the other hand, Prime Minister’s post that has set aside for Sunnis came to be a central position in the government affairs as the holder controlled the Council Of Ministers. Additionally, the appointment and dismissal of the prime minister was no longer the prerogative of the president as it was previously the case. It is critically important to note that there were other problems in the agreement that caused disagreement among the players. The political changes that were proposed by the agreement led to the development of conflicts between Christians and the Muslim majority in the Lebanese society. Despite the challenges that Lebanon was facing, the “National Reconstruction Programme” was established in June 1991. This was the first step on a challenging journey of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and development of the country. The Lebanese government which was being represented by the Hariri Foundation and Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDP), signed an agreement with International Bechtel Incorporated and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants of offering consulting services for the 'Recovery Planning for the Reconstruction and Development of Lebanon' (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). Consequently, extensive working papers and reports were prepared, which covered all aspects as well as strategies necessary for the reconstruction process. This led to a grand plan dubbed “Horizon 2000 for Reconstruction and Development”. The report entailed some recommendations whose foundations would be laid during reconstruction programme, would be implemented the year 2003 or beyond. The long-term effects of the strategies were meant to allow income distribution, maximize income growth, and improve social cohesion. The Lebanon's recovery programme presented an opportunity to reposition and recreate the country for the future development (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). The period of reconstruction provided Lebanon the chance to implement the strategies in the programme, which have since improved the private sector, necessitated free market with other nations as well as developing of tourism sector. Although the financing of the programme has been one of the biggest challenges, the steps taken have helped in the enhancement of key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, higher education and ruche industries. at the same time the strategies in the program saw Lebanon reposition itself as the cultural and geographic link between Europe and Arabia as well as developing the 'consultancy and knowledge-based service industries' in the country (H̲alaf & Sennett, 2008). It must be admitted that the strategies outlined in the programme presumed the success of the reconstruction programme and looked beyond the initial economic growth. The destruction of property including buildings meat that after the end of the war massive efforts was to be applied in order to reconstruct the damaged structures. Consequently, the public-private partnership named Solidere took control of the planning and reconstruction of the designated Beirut Central District (BCD). Rafic Hariri, who is one of the wealthiest men in the world and Lebanon’s future Prime Minister, was highly responsible for this project. Although there were controversies over the Solidere plan, it was approved several years after the war was stopped. This was after the company took it upon itself to demolish many of the central districts, including majority of the salvageable buildings. The aim was to produce a neatly-ordered city center that would be conducive for international businesses and which possessed a visual unity by incorporating influences from ancient and modern history of Beirut, ranging from Phoenicia to French colonialism. In order to legitimatize the design by utilizing a lineage of great empires, the project’s slogan was “Beirut—An Ancient City of the Future.” The objective of the planners of Solidere was to turn the BCD into a visual pastiche of Greek, French, Roman, and Ottoman styles of architecture by drawing the elements of more than 5,000 years of Beirut’s history. The structure and design of Beirut’s city center was specially influenced by France, who is a former Lebanon’s colonizer. therefore France was responsible for the shaping of Lebanon‘s modern form. Although the Solidere plan took long time before being officially approved, the reconstruction process started in 1994. Photo of Martyr is Square after Reconstruction Biefendorf, J. M. (2006). The Solidere’s plan involved the rebuilding of residential blocks in unified styles, establishment of a new economic district, landfilling of 60 hectares of the waterfront for the construction of modern glass towers, and improving or rebuilding infrastructure such as parks, streets, sidewalks, as well as telecommunications. Most of the buildings build after antiquity (pre-18th century) were demolished while those built before this period were saved. Consequently, the redevelopment process started under the French Mandate where streets were reordered in wide boulevards, which terminated in grand plazas. At the same time, housing blocks were rebuilt to uniform styles and heights such as those on Champs Elysées in Paris. The style used by Solidere tended to negate the unique style and Lebanese identity, which attracted criticism from the Lebanese architects. On the other hand, Solidere tried to defend its style by arguing that it represented both historical and modern forms of architecture. According to Solidere’s reconstruction plan, the style was meant to place emphasis on the Beirut’s attraction of international capital. Currently, for many of Beirut’s residents the capital represents the heart of Lebanon, and its rebuilding is as much symbolic as it is physical, which makes it attracts business people and tourists from all over the world. Case study 3: Post-war Reconstruction of Hiroshima Hiroshima is quite often mentioned as an example of post-war reconstruction (Kert, 2006). After the 1945, bombing more than one hundred thousand people were killed. At the same time, the city was massively destroyed which called for concreted efforts in reconstructing it back. The first steps taken by city residents in japan were to conduct clean up exercises in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The case of Hiroshima embodies an interesting case of post-war reconstruction in a Japanese local city, which revitalized itself from complete devastation. The reconstruction process illustrated the city’s distinctive historical nature, although this does not mean that Hiroshima is completely different from and irrelevant to other cases of post-war reconstruction. It is important to note that Hiroshima does not provide a universal model of post-war reconstruction, but it plays an instrumental role of examples of cities that recovered from complete destruction. The Reconstruction of Hiroshima after World War II was an adjustment to the particular type of modernization of “peace building to overcome the social structure prone to internal struggles” that started in the Meiji era (Kert, 2006). Before 1945 Hiroshima was a “military city” that consisted many important military facilities such as military-supplying industrial factories like Mitsubushi Shibuidling. However, the central part of Hiroshima was destroyed including the Hiroshima Prefecture’s office building, which was completely burnt completely. After one day, Hiroshima established the “Hiroshima Security Headquarters” which was under the command of an army vice admiral (Kert, 2006). The aim was to ensure that main roads were restored in three days and recover the military capability. The headquarters worked overnight to repair communication and transportation facilities, light electricity, and others. The reconstruction process was marred with controversy as some never felt the need to reconstruct Hiroshima. In February of 1946, an advisory board of the mayor, the Council of Reconstruction of Hiroshima City was established. The board consisted of 26 members that had backgrounds knowledge in planning reconstruction (Kert, 2006). Hiroshima Prefecture and Hiroshima City commenced the reconstruction process by constructing residential houses through the residence corporation. However, due to shortage of lumber they could not precede, which saw some initiatives being taken by individual citizens. In the beginning, there was lack of funding and failure of some facilities such as power. Despite facing initial problems, Hiroshima’s infrastructural facilities were constructed, where by 1951 the services were back to normal. Analysis of the Case Studies In all case studies, there are manifestations of the three main strategies of post war reconstruction. For example in the Germany case, political efforts of democratization were to be made to save the country from dictatorial regime and allow for reconstruction process (Turner, 2010). The Weimar Republic, which was established in 1919, was formulated with democratic governance and entailed parliamentary and federal systems. The system was seen as a great move on the paper since it appeared to have important features for democratic governance. For instance, the constitution provided for extensive universal suffrage and rights. However, the practical implementation of the Weimar republic was a failure since the costs of reparation that was placed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty were astronomical (Turner, 2010). Scholars viewed that the demand that had been put were expected to punish Germany for the involvement but more so for causing the war. Besides reparations, Germany was required to concede its vast territory, as well economic problem such increase of the inflation rate. Therefore, many saw democracy as a way of harming the economic performance of a country. On the Beirut’s case, it was necessary to sign a peace accord and reconstitute the government by amending the laws. After over fifteen years of destruction of both material and human resources, the country’s population was ready for any reasonable settlement to stop the prolonged bloodshed and a politically, economically, and socially crippling war. Consequently, the Lebanese politicians finally compiled a political accord the “T’aif Agreement” in 1989, in the Saudi city of T'aif. However, the agreement was influenced by the Saudi government with the support of the United States as well as with the approval of the Syrian government. The social aspect of the city’s reconstruction was mostly emphasized in the case of Hiroshima where social services were prioritized. However, infrastructural development that included the building of roads and social facilities such as schools and hospitals was also implemented. The case studies have as well illustrated that urban panning remains one of the modern ways of bringing cities destroyed by wars back to life. The Berlin case shows that despite the massive destruction of the city and other urban areas in Germany, proper planning can change the image of cities after a war. On the other hand, Beirut’s case indicates that it is necessary to include local residents, architects when designing, and implementing reconstruction process. Conclusion The above case studies are clear examples of how post war strategies are applied in order to reconstruct war-stricken nations .The study sought to answer three questions including :What are the strategies and theories of post war reconstruction and planning?:How successful re-building and housing effect the society?: What are the lessons learnt from the study? The paper submits that the main strategies used in post war reconstruction include urban planning, economic, social, and political post-war. However, there is need to conduct more studies on other strategies such as administrative aspects in reconstructive efforts. In the second question, the paper has shown that urban planning is instrumental in helping the victims of war in an urban setting. For instance, Beirut has developed to become one of the world leading tourist destination and businesses hub. This has been contributed by proper planning and urban reconstruction. On the third question, the study concludes that in urban development, there is need to involve local residents in order to be sure of sustainability of the projects. The case studies show that despite the demand for the public on the need to rebuild an urban center, the process of urban planning should involve all relevant stakeholders to ensure projects’ sustainability. References Biefendorf, J. M. (2006). Post war reconstruction strategies, 1945-1955. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. El-Wazir, M. (2010). Sustainable Housing Strategies in Post-war Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip: “Rehabilitation and Sustainability. The Future is possible”. International congress. Barcelona Glossner, C. L. (2013). The making of the German post-war economy: Political communication and public reception of the social market economy after World War II. London: I. B. Tauris. H̲alaf, S., & Sennett, R. (2008). Recovering Beirut: Urban design and post-war reconstruction. Leiden: Brill. Kert, B. (2006). Post-war reconstruction in Japan . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Turner, I. D. (2010). Reconstruction in post-war Germany: British occupation policy and the Western zones, 1945-55. Oxford, UK: Berg. Read More