Categories: uncategorized
Date: 20 February 2006 17:04:09
As if we hadn't caused enough damage in Iraq already. News has broken that the city of Najaf is going to be redesigned by the brains that brought such delights as Milton Keynes, Smethwick & Telford to the UK. I can hear the people crying in the streets already.
If ever their were places to strike fear into the hearts of residents then these are the places. Soulless examples of urban planning bar none. Having visited all three, and spoken to people who live in them, I must say that I don't envy the Iraqi people.
Will they even transport such delights as concrete cows ala Milton Keynes? Knowing how sensitive urban planners are to the local people who end-up living in their creations, I forsee fields of concrete pigs!!
I just hope that its remembered that Arab people enjoy a cafe lifestyle and they don't end up with the city centre wastelands that we have, with everyone living on the edge of new cities.
In addition Najaf is the home to the Iman Ali shrine. One of the most holy places in the Muslim faith. He was the cousin of Mohammed and his death launched the Shia branch of Islam into existence. For those unaware, a Shia believes that an Iman can only be a direct descendant of the prophet's family. Sunni's believe that anyone can be a teacher of the faith.
To make things even more surreal we find that the UK architects chosen to undertake the redesign are not actually able to visit the city due to the current "difficulties" in Iraq. They are therefore working with a local team of Iraqu consultants. Everything is therefore being done by e-mail or phone.
This has to be a first for urban planners of any country.