Modernity is described as a historical timeframe that relates to the progression of urbanization and culture, moving away from traditional and outdated methods (Snyder 2016). It relates to the notion of 'Eurocentrism,' which depicts Europe as 'the central axis' with its dominant social order (Gregory 1998, 512-513). Three readings, Introduction by Anthony King, Marking Place and Outline History of Australian Architecture by Philip Goad and Julie Willis, and 'This Grand Object: Building Towns in Indigenous Space' by Penelope Edmonds, are used to examine the effects of colonialism on a global and local scale. Furthermore, each reading investigates specific changes in society's cultural values, economic, and political aspects influenced by European Settlement, which occurred during Modernity. Imperialism not only induced these changes in society but is also reflected in the built environment and architectural forms. A comparison of each reading is completed regarding the settlement, which shaped the society and space within the community.
Each reading portrays the effects of colonialism as a local event or global event. The outcomes of colonialism are painted mostly as a negative picture for the communities that were colonized. King, in his reading, focuses on the aspects of colonialism through a global phenomenon, with a specific focus on British settlement in India and the effects of colonialism. He compares New and Old Delhi in India, where 'two cities stand amidst the ruins of earlier settlement' (King 1980, 2). Old Delhi represents India in its cultural features, while New Delhi is portrayed as 'the product of colonialism' from the period of Modernity as it shows economic and technical advancement (King 1980, 2). On the contrary, Goad and Willis gaze into the local phenomena of colonialism in Australia. Even though they mention the dreadful acts against Aboriginals by the convict settlers, they demonstrate the progression and expansion in Australia due to the settlement (Goad and Willis 2012, xxv). Similarly, Edmonds presents colonialism in Australia, with a focal point on how British colonies were attempting to evict Aboriginals from their land and claiming the land as their own by declaring them as 'trespassers' of the land (Edmonds 2010, 79). She illustrates 'the worst characteristics of the unruly convict colonies' (Edmonds 2010, 79). Hence, she depicts the destructive side effects of imperialism against Aboriginals that occurred during the Modernity period as the settlers attempted to remove the traditional ideologies of the Aboriginals and replace them with European principles. Therefore, King displays colonialism in India, comparing the New and Old, to investigate its outcomes, and the readings by Goad, Willis, and Edmonds investigate local colonialism and its effects.
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Colonialism had a major effect on molding a society with a new social order that emanated from European society. King outlines that the British settlement formed a new social organization and religion, which sat in conflict with the traditional culture and two religions, Hinduism and Islamism, of India (King 1980, 3). The conflict between the two societies shaped Old and New Delhi in India (King 1980, 2). Hence, King attempts to demonstrate that colonialism in India was an event of Modernity since the settlement attempted to inflict European societal viewpoints. Goad and Willis also summarise the enforcement of the European orderly societal organization onto the Aboriginals and attempts to remove their nomadic and tribal life (Goad and Willis 2012, xxiv). Similarly, Edmonds explored this implementation of settlers' belief system onto the Aboriginals. She highlights the strong cultural and spiritual connection the Aboriginals had with their land, which was taken over by settlers (Edmonds 2010, 72). The settlers created a social organization where the Aboriginals stood below them. Edmonds emphasizes the violent treatment enforced on Aboriginals, who were perceived as 'the lower class of whites' and were given 'the poorest grain' (Edmonds 2010, 78-82). She further accentuates the cruel treatment by stating the painful action of 'child removal' (Edmonds 2010, 82). Therefore, Edmonds expresses the harsh societal hierarchy of the European settlers, where the Aboriginals were treated as slaves. The settlement in India and Australia forms a classic example of Modernity as settlers formulate a new society with European views.
During the timeframe of Modernity, European imperialism had not only shaped society but also built space that portrayed qualities of Modernity. King illustrates that built space is a reflection of society's view, which is evident in New Delhi as it echoes the imperialism of Britain. He expresses the urban form of the New that has built big bungalows, offices, modern cars, and so on, showing the colonial culture that was designed by European architects, which sits in contrast to the Old that has the culture of India as it is filled with mosques, temples, and traditional housing (King 1980, 2-3). Goad and Willis argue that the settlers attempted to replace the temporary housing of Aboriginals with 'permanent structures' to demonstrate European views that buildings are meant to be permanent, filled with specific functions (Goad and Willis 2012, xxv). They also mention the advancement of material usage, such as concrete and brickwork, in the construction of the building, demonstrating the progression from traditional hut-structured houses. However, Edmonds focuses on the space development conducted by the settlers as they defined land boundaries and added a grid-like structure, which reflects a modular scheme of Europe (Edmonds 2010, 83). She further states that the grid scheme is a 'spatial signature of modernity' (Edmonds 2010, 84). Hence, the shaping of space in India and Australia under the imperialism of the settlers replicates the built space of Europe and its values, which forms an integral case of Modernity.
Colonialism was a major event of the Modernity Period. It shaped society and space with a central focus on European social values and viewpoints. King looks into the global colonialism in India and highlights Britain's influence through the description of New Delhi, with an emphasis on societal values and its reflection on the built space. Both Goad, Willis, and Edmonds explore local colonialism. Goad and Willis examine the architectural spaces that were designed by settlers, which echoed the social organization and influence of Europe. Edmonds explores a similar approach, with a focus on the horrible treatment induced on the Aboriginals. Hence, each reading analyses European colonialism that influenced society's values and space.
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