TED Radio Hour The Life Cycles Of Cities
Nov 13, 2020
Alyssa Loorya, a historical archaeologist, uncovers New York City's transformation from farmland to urban hub through archaeological finds. Architect Marwa Al-Sabouni discusses the war-torn city of Homs, advocating for multicultural perspectives to rebuild community identity. Rahul Mehrotra explores the Kumbh Mela festival, where a temporary megacity emerges, highlighting innovative urban planning that emphasizes sustainability and adaptability. Together, they challenge conventional urban permanence, advocating for resilience and internal flexibility in cities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
NYC Farm History
- The Hendrick I. Lott House, a 300-year-old farmhouse in Brooklyn, reveals NYC's evolution.
- Alyssa Loorya's excavations uncovered artifacts from farming, enslavement, and the 1918 pandemic.
Cities in Flux
- Cities constantly transform due to various factors like population growth and pandemics.
- Studying the past helps understand the present and build a better future.
Importance of Urban Archaeology
- Understanding a city's past, including its negative aspects, informs its future.
- Archaeological discoveries reveal cultural diversity and how people interacted.
