As we continue venturing into the world of gentrification, it's crucial to remember that this urban phenomenon is far from one-dimensional. While our previous case studies highlighted the often stark manifestations of gentrification, it's essential to appreciate the subtle layers that often go unnoticed. To that end, we'll continue to draw upon the scholarly works of our main theorists, Hamnett (2003), Atkinson (2000), and Butler (2003), to help us navigate this multifaceted terrain.
Gentrification Beyond Face Value
In our earlier exploration of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment in London, we saw how the allure of "affordable housing" concealed a stark reality: the term "affordable" was relative to the affluent neighbors who paid a premium for panoramic views of the city. This highlights the coercive relationship that may exist between private developers and local governments, a theme underscored by Atkinson's "hidden costs" of profit-driven development. As property prices soared and rentals climbed to staggering heights, it became evident that the city's promise of affordable housing was veiled in ambiguity. This particular case mirrors Hamnett's observations of middle-class remaking in inner London.
A New Perspective: TikTok and Gentrification
Now, journeying across the Atlantic to the United States, where a fascinating trend emerged on TikTok. The platform's users coined the term "Gentrification Buildings" to describe a distinctive architectural style in new residential developments. These buildings, often characterized as generic and artificial, have led to humorous quips about the arrival of a Starbucks in the neighbourhood, alluding to the impending symptoms of gentrification. It is however important to acknowledge that this trend isn't entirely baseless.
As we cite Carpenter and Lees (1995), the introduction of new housing stock can indeed lead to increased local land values and, consequently, rising rents – classic symptoms of gentrification. But what makes this case truly intriguing is the revelation that these "Gentrification Buildings" are often part of affordable housing projects, intended to address the housing crisis in the United States. This insight, rooted in the work of Patrick Sisson (2018), challenges the stereotype these buildings have acquired.
As we get introduced to the nuances of mass produced housing stock, we learned that the "Gentrification Buildings" are, in fact, a result of cost-effective mass construction methods, responding to height limits and safety requirements set by the U.S. government. This method, known as "5 Over 1" or "1 plus 5," involves wood-framed construction over a concrete base, enabling developers to provide more housing at lower costs. This fascinating revelation demonstrates that not all private developers are actively engaged in gentrification; many are simply striving to meet the soaring demand for housing. But through stereotyping, they are easily swept under the self-centred, profit driven blanket that has become synonymous with private development.
Looking Ahead: A Global Perspective on Gentrification
As we cross the halfway point of our gentrification exploration, our journey is far from over. In the next four posts, we will shift our focus to gentrification in the global south.
By examining the dynamics of urban transformation in the southern hemisphere, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of gentrification's manifestations in diverse global contexts, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban planners and developers alike.
reference list:
Sisson, P., 2018. why do all new apartment buildings look the same. [Online] Available at: https://archive.curbed.com/2018/12/4/18125536/real-estate-modern-apartment-architecture [Accessed 2023].
Atkinson, R., 2000. The hidden costs of gentrification: Displacement in central London. Journal of housing and the built environment, 15, pp.307-326.
Butler, T., 2003. Living in the bubble: gentrification and its' others' in North London. Urban studies, 40(12), pp.2469-2486.
Carpenter, J. and Lees, L., 1995. Gentrification in New York, London and Paris: an international comparison. International Journal of Urban and regional research, 19, pp.286-286.
Hamnett, C., 2003. Gentrification and the middle-class remaking of inner London, 1961-2001. Urban studies, 40(12), pp.2401-2426.
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