Khalifa versus Prometheus: Green ethics and the struggle for contemporary sustainable urbanism

In the last decades, contemporary urbanism in global South has meant large urban transformations, tall architecture landmarks, and fierce city competition. However, cities their planners are now confronting an ethical dilemma: how to grow compete while caring for disastrous impacts on Earth human health caused by mass extraction, processing, consumption of resources linked urbanization. our article, we problematize modern interpretation technology, particular planning technologies, society where sustainability is considered a product. By restudying Quranic notion khalifa accidental, ecological formation oasis, will argue postpromethean philosophy inhabiting Earth. We exemplify this new ethical–technological shift comparing planned unplanned developments Arabian Gulf cities. 过去几十年，全球南方的当代城市化意味着大规模的城市转型、高层建筑地标和激烈的城市竞争。不过，城市及其规划者现在面临一个伦理困境:如何在发展和竞争的同时照顾由城市化相关的大量资源开采、加工和消费对地球和人类健康造成的灾难性影响。本文中，我们研究了技术（特别是建筑和规划技术）的现代解释，将其置于可持续性被视为产品的社会情境中。通过重新研究《古兰经》中哈里发的概念以及绿洲的偶然生态形成，我们将论证一种关于“地球居住”的后普罗米修斯哲学。通过比较阿拉伯海湾城市已规划和未规划的发展，我们举例说明了这种新的伦理-技术转变。 En las últimas décadas, el urbanismo contemporáneo en sur ha significado grandes transformaciones urbanas, altos hitos arquitectónicos y una feroz competencia entre ciudades. Sin embargo, ciudades sus planificadores ahora enfrentan un dilema ético: cómo crecer competir mientras se cuidan los impactos desastrosos la Tierra salud humana causados por extracción, procesamiento consumo masivo de recursos vinculados urbanización. nuestro artículo, problematizamos interpretación moderna tecnología, tecnologías arquitectura planificación, sociedad donde sustentabilidad es considerada como producto. Al volver estudiar noción coránica del califa formación ecológica accidental defenderemos filosofía posprometeica habitar tierra. Ejemplificaremos este nuevo cambio ético-tecnológico comparando desarrollos planificados no Golfo Arábigo. south Starting from 1980s Southeast Asia 1990s Peninsula, acceleration economic growth societal transformations brought massive changes Asian hinterlands. The extended regions (McGee, 2013), mega-urban (Yeung, 2002), transnational corridors (Rizzo, 2021b; Rizzo & Khan, 2013; Wee, 1995) redesigned traditionally postcolonial relationship between as gateways access export colonies' resources, rural outposts centers labor extraction those resources. Asia, urbanization trends have been characterized active role state spur megaprojects free-trade zones attract capital (Douglass, 2000). As early 1972, well before Friedmann Wolff's (1982) seminal article World City hypothesis, Singapore's government sought opportunity transform city-state into “Global City” (as cited minister foreign affairs S. Rajaratnam's speech Chang et al., 2004). fact, Singapore front-runner re-engineer its territory gigantic platform international investments. Likewise, with discovery successive exploitation substantial oil reserves (from 1970s), tiny Arab states Persian region gone through dramatic social changes. later push late more emphasis 2000s) diversification these net exporters hydrocarbon commodities resulted investments infrastructures (chiefly logistics) projects support capitals' “global” aspirations 2014). These spelled governments' official visions (e.g., UAE Vision 2021, Qatar National 2030, Saudi 2030) which all share drive fast-track modernization integration wider world economy. While Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi cases point arguably most popular hot spots see at work, similar translated number so-called emerging capitals Middle East North Africa beyond (Choplin Franck, 2010). Anthropologist Ahmed Kanna (2012) drawn interesting comparative analysis development Gulf. Malaya (Malaysia plus Straits colonies) Trucial States (today UAE) were (at different points time) forced enter exclusive agreements eventually fully incorporated British Empire important trading posts China, India, Europe. Furthermore, better secure route India Asia) competing powers (France, Russia, etc.), Britain engineered local political system that favored centralized (with sit power located today's Kuala Lumpur, Dhabi) opposite scattered, tribal systems. This process over time fueled elite played down nonurban interests pro-growth policies centered capitals. terms, nexus high revenues facilitated emergence mega-projects mega-redevelopments such harbor airport cities, industrial zones, leisure financial way, transformed small settlements (Riad, 1981) toward ever-larger “quasi city-states” (Sidaway, 2008). Vadim Rossman (2017) convincingly explains his investing existing policymakers attempted answer question concerning both “state-building,” is, security coherent administration, “national-building,” identity ethnicity religious balance. among them capitals, How impact far-reaching. Apart physical demographic transformation themselves, perhaps immediately obvious environmental 2016). Gulf, construction relies not there first place 2019, 2021a). Construction materials, gabbro, marble, so forth sourced anywhere possible cheap. Land infills, water desalinization, energy generation reshaped current fauna flora extent it threatened disappear good (Figure 1). Luomi (2012, p. 25) argued “[land] marine biodiversity population growth, activities, industrialization, shipping, overfishing, overgrazing, climate change.” It estimated about 70% Gulf's coral reef permanently lost result sea reclamation projects, intensive fishing techniques, discharge waste brine desalination facilities gas drilling (Burt, On other end recent studies pollutants Johor established link increased concentration levels copper zinc Straits' waters (Azman 2012). direct implications Johorian mussels since they might be affected lower quality waters. cultivation source income locals. Moreover, waterfront “eaten” natural mangroves, causing coastal erosion affecting survival (Barau, 2017). Thus, indirectly land-use change displace fishers who relocate farming grounds. top this, decreasing disposable arable land agriculture 2017), thus displacing farmers. building Multimedia Super Corridor corridor stretching Petronas Towers KLIA, erased living habitat low-income farmers (Bunnell 2002). Shatkin (2016) many practices served template grabbing developing Asia. show idea master absolute rights nature deviation basic texts three monotheistic religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism). problematic involution made evident prominent assigned technologies (and extension smart planning) forms knowing nature. Section 2, look “khalifa,” person keeper rather than sole owner, nature's gifts (otherwise known resources), alternative ways imagine modernity try develop foundations field study, example, education. reviewing (Section 3) (MENA) “accidents,” case oasis Nakhla Doha was spontaneously created nearby wastewaters, argue, 4, indispensable condition become carousel quantitative serial phenomena renewed planet latter applicable metropolis, (symbolically) citizen Prometheus can rediscover reinterpret Khalifa. Western society, technology described philosophers train launched great speed; but driver absent. wagons, passengers landscape, absorbed book, doze. Aeschylus' tragedy, punished having taught humanity making “mistress own mind” (Aeschylus, 1954). ancient times, disquieting, capable going immutable order Nature man's limit, it, he revived certainties. Biblical Genesis, God makes man image likeness himself dominus (Biblia Sacra, 1959). longer expression order, subject dominus, transforms using means, adapt aims. Genesis establishes anthropocentric available material, any consideration. Today technical means magnified possibly overturn scenario. history man, background officer (Severino, 2003, 14). scientific thought seems entered dead-end street, shaken two options: nihilism vague calls elevation height work (Galimberti, 2000, 48). If mentioned inclined plane slipped, propose Orientalist perspective, observation calamities, generated dangerous desertification, wild urbanization, denaturalization (Simons, 2007), resources—even if hidden behind shattering knowledge strictly circumscribed fields science—occur southern hemisphere too create doubts consciousness Homo Islamicus. traditional cultures, technique did sense practical art manufacture object, expressed profound essence object itself (Petruccioli, 2007; Figure 2). Today, instead, lazy mainstream academia bureaucratic institutions advocate superficial (smart) green narrowly focuses technological components, gadgets, house, neighborhood, or landscape sustainable posteriori. creates troubles, solution must found further application, endless product (in form certification miraculous app). surprising happened course single generation: children, Prometheus, had forgotten one stroke enormous wealth parents. find, therefore, useful inspiration systems dominates society. For shari'a builds principles norms, define conscience believer regulate him nature, establishing principle responsibility creation. Universe companion Muslim devotion (Quran,1 XXII, 18); animal (Quran, XVI, 4–8) plant 10–11) man. represents home pleasure limited II, 36). understanding whether God, mountains, birds, stars, trees signs divine greatness things XXI, 79—XXXVIII, 18—XIII, 13). case, recurrent exhortation establish affection love creation suggests ecocentric vision. second framework message strengthened, whereby universe creatures service chosen privileged God: “We led granted excellent food excel creatures” XVII, 70). word determined wrong ruling class favor ostentation. Competition coupled pursuit unlimited profit results singular architectural interventions spectacularization exceeded qualitative touch illusionistic effects. With eyes full YouTube video Burj Khalifa surrounded storm fireworks, installed Prometheus' city, meditate concept balance: “Everything just measure” LIV, 49): circumscribe lordship invites consider surrounding communities community VI, 38) affirms: “I my vicar earth” 30). Khalifa2 Arabic successor. Since successors verse applies. you earth. Arbitrator men truth […]” (Sura XXXVIII, 26/26), figure adorned purple leader, same servant God. theme fundamental doctrine (Paret, 1970) even finds difficult understood populace. should combined aya3 sequence testimonies Divine Grace: harvest, pregnancy, winds … front touches gratitude sacredness (Cragg, 1968). reminding right dispose belong only Creator Universe, satisfy needs without disturbing balance break Allah, protect it. Finally, respect govern environment: “There reward kindness towards every being” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 5663); “Do spread corruption earth, after prosperous” VII, 56). According Lynn White (1967) man–nature dualism context accentuated anthropocentrism conception linear continuous progress, typical religions, would adopted Prophet Muhammad cultural osmosis. view, author overlooks fact Prophet's preaching justified seventh century fight against idolatry lithoatry (worship stones) practiced tribes Peninsula. Quran reflects need de-soul objects generate uneducated people indifference feelings nonliving Law offers solid legal clear ethics counteract bad environment, remains: what causes induced frequent deviations path Dar al Islam? violations due insufficiencies, gap precepts leaders self-absolution mentality, rooted temptation garden landlord very strong beings. Earth, sacred Islam, gradually materialized exploitable resource, according universal capitalist practice. Islamic societies responded pressures awareness educational programs. acceptance distinction globalization, erroneous presumption neutral, added account causes. rich countries, proved powerful tool hands khalifas, wanted make themselves landlords. From view discipline architecture, risk conflict religion science, suggest paradigm. Thomas Kuhn (1970)explains jerky, nonlinear science paradigm shifts (Wray, 2021). Whenever stability goes crisis, changed greater explanatory power. When established, crisis resolved research resumes jolts. light upheavals entire downsizing globalized economy, restless return pandemics least advent artificial intelligence, could escape control, reference built senseless think also use exemplified mīzān highlight struggle values (Shaker, 2015). Mīzān attributes measure. say reduce externalities, waste. theoreticians suggested “green city” models externalities (pollution, traffic, stress, etc.) focus Howard Hall Tewdwr-Jones, 2010) model magnets (town, country, town-country) formulate best countryside minimizing drawbacks (social isolation, pollution, lack opportunities, etc.). Abercrombie developed controlled, formulating belt,” green/rural area containing sprawl fostering regional leveraged railway transport technologies—to towns metropolitan center (Hall contexts industrialization started Scandinavia), proposed designed well-known academics practitioners transition out totally losing connection, balance, Architects Aalto, Erskine, Gropius self-enclosed (surrounding wood pulp mills, mining settlements, provided necessary services (schools, clubs, care, harsh winter environment north. formulated forest settlement deeply integrated (Hautamäki, 2022). Erskine climate-adapted increase comfort cold months arctic Sweden abroad) values. years, pond adverse effects odor, vermin, elevated groundwater neighboring residential areas. claims some disposed untreated aggravated situation impure body water. (Elobaid 2018) 2001 microbiological study wastewater sediment4 around Abu-Hamour (untreated pond) Abu-Nakhla ponds (treated pond), revealed coliform bacteria, disease-causing organisms (pathogens), prominently present former one. Again, chemical conducted 2014–2015 team, shown quality, terms physiochemistry biological microbial contaminants. report recommended transforming reserve meteorological station 2018). Nevertheless, disposal suspended decided drain pond. At time, multiply treatment plants next WSTP, bringing production progressively 70,000 175,000 m3/d 2012 finally 280,000 2015. injection wells pump deep porous ground impermeable layers aquifers. Injection American by-product fracking technics, much litigation California.5 Conversely, techniques bioremediation phytoremediation, adopt algae, aquatic native plants, absorbing heavy metals degrading pollutants—Phragmites australis Aeluropus lagopoides old Amour Typha domingensis phytoplaktons Nakhla's naturally domesticated—attract attention researchers opened up perspectives (al-Thani Yasseen, Infilling lowlands creating filter truly problem activated, desert southwestern outskirts concatenation oases agricultural Engineers plan part treated irrigate 250 sports FIFA Cup. logic circular outputs reused inputs processes fashion (Katsou 2020; Wautelet, 2018), optimal build gray network public private gardens does seem easy overcome resistance skepticism inhabitants. Masdar continues tradition self-enclosed, paternalistic new-town (see 2) within distinct separated rest city. Built Airport, experiment age adaptation. urbanism, Castán Broto Bulkeley (2013) recorded myriad experiments world, South. hope endeavors find “secret recipe” DNA “sick” sustainable. worldwide attempt eco-city scratch employing climate-sensitive design thinking dose ingenuity. Designed Foster Partners, masterplan shaped combination perfect geometric quadrats intersected sinuous light-rail transit downtown Dhabi, generous edge parks separate surroundings. heart project, less far, hosts university campus, International Renewable Energy Agency, few blocks 4a,b). A experimental north area, solar park cluster pilot buildings located. core connected underneath futuristic personal abandoned unfeasibility. Cugurullo's words, true lab lot potentially 1:1 companies (such Siemens) collaboration Initiative (the main developer). After testing, block showcased implementation elsewhere. sense, Masdar's residents include students, engineers, professionals “the collapse” (Cugurullo, 2013, 31). Cugurullo shows strongly permeated concerns ones. City's net-zero carbon needed operations produced on-site renewable sources (hence park). hefty budget cuts (made 2008) “[the] stopped being zero became thereby considerably lowering original target” 28). (2013, 29), downturn “but strengthened it.” effect, display room sponsored industries sell products top-down absolutistic stance 2020). techno-economic solutions allowed setting “aside institutional dimension may constitute sensitive aspect UAE” (Crot, 2815). collection essays, Günel (2019) likens “spaceship” little relation context. Similarly megaproject narrative, spaceship approach allows optimistic positivistic rhetoric intra-moenia fix preferred general rediscussion injustice development. architects instrumental doing rekindling profession. City, Norman Foster, world-famous architect endorsed stating “practicing [is] lunar exploration” Günel, 200). Perhaps coincidence star Bjarke Ingels Mars simulation emirate Dubai (Mairs, older traced back 1960s Buckminster Fuller, mentors Foster. What renormalize lifestyle, dissolving conflictuality actions (geared consumption) thoughts guilt extinction planet). conveys replicability contexts, why appealing companies. weaknesses pointing low-tech, low-paid remove dust photovoltaics. She irrelevance improve conditions workers employed City. software able manage, behalf, unacceptable lifestyle produces implicit successful addressing deficit associated Promethean living? showed unable address socio-environmental destruction. Smart like fuelled resource components (chipsets, screens, control produce self-referential or, words spaceships meaningful society/nature. Rather, market destruction estrangement dominate city-making. Funnily enough, accident logics, resilience cope, although micro-scale, market-driven restructuring place, identity, regionalism gaining momentum. Landscape sake, render place. enlightening reading ayat interpret whose references proportion moderation give meaning sustainability; (perhaps conceived New York, industrialized Shanghai, implemented Arabia) trade certificates, world. called question, demiurge/artist, inventor self-referential, arbitrary, unscientific principles, researcher embedded Without nostalgic indulging Orientalism, relearn khalifa. spirit guardianship adherence khalifa, highest oasis. anthropic masterpiece organism always precarious under pressure greedy survives thanks complementarity parts ability self-regenerate. An landscapes (mīzān) metaphorical starting rethink mean not, only, geographical accident, inhabiting, symbolically rethinking education crucial All examples put That citizens co-create represented metaphor challenge then convince governments engage small-scale, resourceful (rather smart) experiments. To certain extent, already happening, promises peaceful revolution.