“…cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature (Art. 1) it is “one of the roots of development understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence (Art. 3)”. Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (UNESCO, 2001)If Noah was the first human to understood biodiversity when he took "two of each" on his ark, America may be the first nation to understand and embrace the value of cultural diversity. The country's once leading cities, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore would never have attained their status without ship after ship delivering a steady stream of Poles, Russians, Lithuanians, Italians and Germans whose ethnic enclaves can be found to this day in churches, delis, meeting halls and festivals.
From the current political discourse one wouldn’t know it, though. Political turmoil in several regions of the world and the resulting massive flows of refugees have brought about instability, fear and a closing of the ranks of those who think they have to defend their countries from being "overrun". Nations once known for a "welcome culture" towards others are shutting their borders.
Cities play a big role on either side of this issue. They were... (for full article click below)
Community Architect: Diversity is Key for urban Success
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Nikolaus Philipsen FAIA
Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects
Baltimore MD
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