0

EPISTEMOLOGICAL UNIVERSALISM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON

SPATIAL FRAMEWORKS IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH

[Document subtitle]

Abstract

[Draw your reader in with an engaging abstract. It is typically a short summary of the document.

When you’re ready to add your content, just click here and start typing.]

Alexandra Cholokh
CTC
Universalism in The Global South

Contents

Problem Statement.......................2

Research Question.......................2

Theoretical Framework................3

The legitimization of Universalism (Thread 1)...........................................................3

Universal Architecture (Thread 2)...............................................................................5

Case Study Analysis....................6

Conclusion...................................6

References....................................6
Universalism in The Global South

Problem Statement

The current Capitalist word-economy has undergone a process of expansion, which has often involved exerting

cultural pressures on other states. These pressures occur in various forms which created a trend of adopting or

emulating Western cultural, social, or economic practices. Pressures of such are then term under the umbrella of

‘westernization’ or more arrogantly ‘modernization’. These actions are defended by the west due to their desirable

nature because it promises to provide the benefits associated with universal principles or ideas. The notion of

universalism reaps benefits for the west, such as expanding their global influence and an exercise in soft power, but

there is a duality present where universalism does not reap the same rewards for the states being modernized. Many

scholars by the likes of Fanon and Mignolo have provided a critical perspective with regards to the concerns

surrounding the modernist notion of Universalism. As a result of the modernist dilemma the need for deeper

understanding of the cultural fabric, sociopolitical dynamics, and the lived experiences of diverse communities in

the global South is necessary. More specifically the dangers of universalism could be extended into the modernizing

practice of Architecture where identity becomes lost, and a place becomes pressured to convert into simply only a

space without a sense of place. My intention for this research is to unpack key components which contribute to the

loss place in terms of the epistemology of universalism. Furthermore to then propose successful interventions which

could combat the notion the standardization seen in universalism. To better investigate a pattern of spatial

framework undefined by universality, I will look towards a Housing scheme as a case study specifically Christopher

Alexander’s Lima Housing competition entry.

Research Question

Given what academics by the likes of Mignolo and Fanon have said with regards a westernized global south I intend

to answer the question of:

What is the connection between epistemological universality to universality in spatial housing frameworks?

Through answering this question, to better understand the nuances deeply imbedded in how universal epistemology

can influence the subalterns’ housing schemes.

Universalism in The Global South

Theoretical Framework

To explore the connection between universality in epistemology and universality urban developmental frameworks I

will be looking into two main thread of literature. Through the first thread I interogate through the lens where

westernized epistemological principals are supported by the notion of universal truths th. In the second thread of

literature understand of issues with universality in the social housing unit can be seen as a detrimental due to the loss

of identity and climatically uncomfortable housing through universal designs which are not context appropriate

(Jordgus-Lier, 2015).

The legitimization of Universalism (Thread 1)

The notion of universalism can be seen as a biproduct of capitalism and globalization which leads to a

common debate regarding the challenges and benefits of globalization (Eldemery, 2009). Globalization

comes in a form where it is imposed on states accompanied by various pressure exerted on the stated being

‘westernized’. According to Fanon, these pressures occur in various forms such as: The imposition of

European languages, changes to legal code, Christian proselytization, adoption of specific methodologies

and technologies to name a few. (Fanon, 1967). The process of applying these pressures are often validated

by the collective educational teachings in the west, where the search for truth is not a disinterested virtue

but in fact a self-interested rationalization. This pursuit of truth has been accepted and supported by the

notion of it heralding progress and well-being for the western civilization. Fanon argues this ‘universal

truth’ dictating and legitimizing western behavior has led to an unapologetic maintenance of the

hierarchical unequal, social structure existing in countries which have been “modernized”. (Fanon, 1967).

Where I look to Fanon for his approach towards universalism through the stance of western justification.

Mignolo interrogates the effects of these universal truth founded by the western epistemologies (Mignolo,

2009).
Universalism in The Global South

According to Mignolo, the western epistemic methods being imposed on stated results in a marginalization

or dismissal of alternative forms of knowledge. Consequently, their dismissive nature of this process leads

to the devaluation of non-western perspectives and limits the diverse from of knowledge. Mignolo argues

the universalism claim to objective and universal truths creates a hierarchy elevating western knowledge

systems.

Where the issue at hand with the hierarchy of knowledge systems is that, through the lens of universalism,

other knowledge systems deemed less important become suppressed or excluded, as a result leading to a

singular universal narrative. Mignolo argues to combat the universal truth super imposed on the global

south, a decolonization of knowledge systems must become present. Furthermore, by embracing alternative

knowledge systems would elevate our understating of the world for a more inclusive and responsive global

knowledge system.

The effects of the universal narrative has influence the knowledge systems used to create spatial

frameworks. Where many current spatial frameworks are influenced by a modernist way dictated by a

thinking where spaces a mechanisms of efficiency rather than lived spaces (Sui & Huang, 2015).

Universal Architecture (Thread 2)

During the 20th century, many architects found it necessary to challenge and argue the modern age

demanded new architectural response to technologies, mobility, industries, and social and political orders.

As a result the “International Style” was born and epitomized by German architects by the likes of Mies

can der Rohe, Walter Gropius and others (Oncu & Weyland , 1997) . Current conditions in the world –

economy have applied pressure to globalize architecture by two main sources:

 The Culture of Commerce

 The Culture of Design

Universalism in The Global South

The Culture of Commerce

Global culture of commerce has been driven by various components such as consumer expectations,

business agendas and market opportunities. As a result of this culture the architecture manifestation of this

culture is depicted in forms of franchise restaurants, standardized hotels, malls, sky scrapers and brand

stores.

The Culture of Design

On the other hand the culture of design is a trend forming within the architects themselves where architects

study other architects with little reference to context of where the architects are designing. The result of this

superficial method of design is manifested by superficial rendering where the image is placed on a pedestal.

The combination of these pressures has resulted in a globalized architecture consisting of a trend of

standardization of building methods, materials and architectural languages. Furthermore, leading to a loss

of historical continuity and cultural diversity manifested by the architectural identity of a place. The

universal approach to an architectural patterns has a detrimental effect to architectural frameworks, which

are removed from contextual elements as well as the dialects of place making. Places do not exist

singularly in the physical realm but also exists in the minds of people creating memories. I look towards

Christopher Alexander as an architect whom considers the community in a architecture of a place. This

leads to my case study, Christopher Alexanders Experimental Housing Project in Lima, Peru.

Case Study Analysis

Christopher Alexanders Book copetion entry for the lima project

Conclusion
Universalism in The Global South

References

Eldemery, I. M., 2009. Globalisation challenges in Architecture. Architectural and Planning Research, 26(4), pp.

344 - 354.

Jordgus-Lier, D., 2015. Community resistance to megaprojects: The case of the N2 Gatewat project in Joe Slovo

informal settlement, Cape Town. Habitat International, 45(3), pp. 169 - 176.

Kanchau, C., 2022. Urban Contestations for Housing: Reclaiming and Deracialising Cape Town’s Inner City, Cape

Town: Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA (DVS).

Khader, S., 2021. Decolonizing Feminism through intersectional Praxis. Metaphilosophy, 52(1), pp. 93 - 110.

Last Name, F. M., Year. Article Title. Journal Title, pp. Pages From - To.

Last Name, F. M., Year. Book Title. City Name: Publisher Name.

Mignolo, W., 2002. The geopolitics of knowledge and the colonial difference. The South African Quarterly, 101(1),

pp. 57 - 96.

Peerenboom, R., 2002. Beyond Universalism and Relativism: The Evolving Debates About 'Values in Asia. Oxford

University - Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, 14(1), pp. 1 - 86.

Roy, A., 2006. Praxis in the time of empire. Sage publications, 5(1), pp. 7 - 29.