Context 152 - November 2017

30 C O N T E X T 1 5 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 neighbourhoods. A recent case of gutting is seen in the historic neighbourhood of the Raval in Barcelona, Catalonia. Here a series of linear blocks of buildings have been demolished to create a wide green avenue or rambla ,with newmixed-use buildings inserted to improve the social and cultural conditions of this neglected area in the city centre. Giovannoni suggests that there has been an unavoid- able conflict between two opposite concepts, Life and History, since the 19th century. The first would be represented by the novatori , or modernists, who would demand the introduction of requirements of modern life such as wider and faster roads, parks, hygienic improvements and more housing. For example, theVoisin Plan for Paris (1925) and the Macià Plan for Barcelona (1932), both by Le Corbusier, propose the demolition of large areas in the city centre that would be replaced by high-density towers, parks and wide avenues. The second concept would be supported by the conservatori , who would oppose the transformation of historic towns. Various international symposiums were held at the turn of the century to reconcile the two ideas. In Belgium, the Art Public Congresses of Liège (1905) and Brussels (1911) noted the need to consider the character of the local history, architecture and landscape in designing new urban developments. Giovannoni suggests that historic city centres are unsuited for modern industrial uses and businesses, unless extensive areas are demolished to give space to major infrastructure and faster access points. New, wider roads would increase the amount of traffic and possibly A 1853 map of Paris showing new streets and as those under construction, under Haussmann’s plans (Image: Brown University Library under the digital ID 1223576065671875., Public Domain, https-//commons. wikimedia.org/w/index. php?curid=24724949) Via Giovanni Duprè, Siena (Photo: PMM – Own work, Public Domain, https:// commons. wikimedia.org/w/ index. php?curid=7552143 Colinari) Giovannoni’s drawings of theVia dei Coronari in Rome. Rambla del Raval, Barcelona (Photo: Janko Hoener, Bonn, https-//commons. wikimedia.org/w/index. php?curid=53832615.jpg