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Urban Planning.
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Urban Planning.
Urban planning is both a technical and political process that is concerned with the development and planning of land use, environment use and its protection. It also deals with the growth and functioning of urban cities and towns and development of infrastructures such as transport, communication and distribution networks. It is also primarily concerned with the planning of resources such as water and air. A few basic principles such as development densities, architecture, sustainability, planning, mission and goals of the urban development are crucial when it comes to urban planning.
Savannah is a coastal city in the state of Georgia that is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It is a city with well-manicured parks, non-modern architecture with a historic district filled cobblestoned squares and parks. Most of the trees found in the district are oak trees covered with Spanish moss and at the centre of the district is the scenic landmark which is the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. The city is also known for the presence of horse-drawn carriages.
The initial urban planning of Savannah was done by Oglethorpe in the 1730’s. The Oglethorpe plan was seen to embrace all major themes of enlightenment from science, humanism and even the secular government and would have neither aristocracy nor slavery (Conzen, Michael P., pg 17). The plan also stood out because it embodied the social, military, environmental and philosophical needs of the citizens. The plan was seen to make unique use of squares that led to the city having a street pattern that creates a rhythm of strategically placed openings that gives the town its unique sense of space and solidity in the township.
The basic design unit for the town was the ward. Each ward consists of four residential blocks and four civic blocks arranged around a centre square. Each residential block had ten houses and had a square mile of land for farming. The original numbers of wards laid out in Savannah were six which are now twenty-four (Reps, John William, pg 247). The city, however, does have a modern street grid outside the historic district which also follows the original system of a right of way for gardens, farms and villages that make up the city of Savannah. The streets allowed uninterrupted movement in traffic and the internal streets were designed to be pedestrian friendly. To this day, Savannah retains much of the Oglethorpe original plan and by this has been a reason for increased tourism in the city.
The fact that Savannah still retains its historic, unique city plan is seen to have a negative impact on the neighbourhood in low-income households as gentrification has been rampant leading to displacement especially the low-income households. This can be attributed to the presence of the historical preservation movement encouraging people to return to historic districts. The refurbishing and refining of these houses are leading to an increase in the rent and property taxes of the very houses and thus increasing the rate of displacements for households that can’t seem to afford the high prices. Rehabilitation of the historic houses has led to a movement of high-income earners into these houses as they have ease of access to transport facilities and most end up being nearer their places of work. Rehabilitating and refurbishing the houses into their historic form has led to an increase of tourism in the area which has ended up helping to boost the economy of the town.
The neighbourhood has utilised the land space it has to accommodate ease of transport for both motorists and pedestrians by the strategically placed streets and inner streets. The availability of the kitchen gardens in the historic homes has also helped in the utilisation of land for subsistence agriculture and beautification purposes. The plan and design of the city will not change anytime soon, and this can be attributed to the presence of the Historic Preservation Movement tasked with the role of preserving the historic homes and refurbishing. The areas surrounding Savannah, however, are likely to change to mitigate the negative effects gentrification is having on the city (Levy, John M. , pg 24). There is a task force in place that is dealing with the planning of land use, zoning, affordable housing and development to revitalise and stimulate residents living in the vulnerable neighbourhoods of Savannah. This is also to reduce the negative effects that have been brought about by gentrification.
With the current planning regulations that require urban areas to be zoned, have affordable housing, economic development, education, training and redevelopment programs and economic land use Savannah will end up being a more favorable place to live as it will have integrated both the historic designs and planning and the metropolitan and urban development and planning designs. This will help retain the already existing tourism industry in the city as well as accommodate the low-income households who will not have to lose their houses due to high rent charges and property taxes that are imposed when the area turns to be a boom regarding investments.
Works Cited.
Conzen, Michael P. “The study of urban form in the United States.” Urban Morphology 5.1 (2001): 3-14.
Levy, John M. Contemporary urban planning. Taylor & Francis, 2016.
Reps, John William. The making of urban America: A history of city planning in the United States. Princeton University Press, 1965.
The Apology by Plato
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The Apology
The Apology by Plato is a narrative of the notorious speaker, Socrates’ speech made at the trial when the states convicted him of not acknowledging the gods. According to the charges, Socrates corrupted the youths through controversial theories and teachings that went contrary to their deity. Additionally, he taught some unlawful ideas that leave an adverse effect on both societies and individuals. Socrates was found guilty of manipulating the young people of Athens and forming false believe in his supernatural deities as opposed to state gods. The term apology originated from the Greek word “apologia,” which means a speech made in defense. In the narrative “The Apology,” Socrates does not necessarily apologize for his actions, but rather defending himself.
For the vast part of the apology, Socrates communicates in a manner that is somewhat very plain and conversational. Socrates warned that he was not accustomed to court system regularities, and instead, he was to apply honesty and directness, just like his character. In his defense, Socrates pointed out that a prophecy orchestrated his behavior by the oracle taunting him as the noblest of all men (Reeve 4). He acknowledges that he has little or no enlightenment when it comes to the world, and at the same time, concluding that he is wiser than other men. It brings about contradiction since how can one say that he is smarter than all people but still so damn and unknowledgeable about the world? It does not make sense. Socrates was determined to spread his peculiar wisdom, but how was he going to execute that? As such, he took the issue of questioning the supposed “wise” men as his moral obligation, not to mention exposing their intellect as negligence. Such charismatic activities won the hearts of many youths in Athens. At the same time, the issue sparked anger and hatred for individuals; he was humiliating.
Philosophy about dialect when an individual puts forward an argument and others might critique, improve the idea, or agree to it. Counter-arguments challenge opinions, and as such, the presupposed “wise” men should have put forward a way to defend their philosophical ideas as opposed to prosecuting someone who was trying to resist their ideologies. Socrates pleads for his defense, making an excellent counter fact against the charges of manipulating the minds of young people of Athens. First, Socrates insists that Meletus, the plaintiff, cares nothing concerning the young people of Athens, not to mention that he lacks real enlightenment on the subject (Reeve 4). Second, Socrates points out that if indeed he was influencing the youth wrongfully, it was unintentional, and that he was standing trials as an innocent person. Lastly, Socrates disregarded Meletus claims that they lacked supporting information or evidence and that there was not even a single witness to affirm Socrates’ charges. The three were fundamental arguments for Socrates’ defense.
Meletus was confronted by the question that if there exists a single person who can choose to be harmed in his/her rightful mind, and Meletus was quick to answer, “of course not” (Hackforth 56). Still, Meletus held that Socrates was deliberately corrupting the youths of Athens. Socrates understands that wicked people are prone to causing harm to both strangers and colleagues. As such, he keeps’ strong ties with his followers and does not intend to harm himself. Hence, Socrates has no intentions or can never have ulterior motives toward the youth. Socrates further added that if he did not intend to manipulate the youth of Athens, then, Meletus charges could not be of any significant value as Socrates charges will be termed as an involuntary misdemeanor.
Usually, when individuals unwillingly engage in crimes, they do not stand trials in the court; instead, they are given sage to give light on the errors of their ways. Why is Socrates standing trials in the court? Perhaps, someone should have tried providing insights to Socrates, and things would have been different, or he could have ceased “manipulating” the youth. Socrates even goes on highlighting that there was nobody who showed any concerns in trying to guide him on his alleged lousy demeanor. So, it still does not appeal as significantly as to why he was brought to court. The court is meant for individuals who are guilty of their crimes as opposed to those who require enlightenment. Throughout Socrates and Meletus’ conversation, it was so explicit and direct, more importantly, intended to humiliate Meletus instead of arriving at the truth (Danzig 12).
Following the case ruling that Socrates was found guilty of the offence, he was requested to suggest a penalty. Socrates jokingly proposes to receive an honor of great meal for being such a fundamental asset to the state services as the basis for what he deserved. Socrates seriously disregarded any attempt to put him in jail or exile, instead of considering to pay a fine. The prosecutor could not buy any of his proposals, and he was sentenced to death. It was pretty much unfair to sentence him to death because there was no evidence, but the law ruled in favor of the people who felt like Socrates was posing a threat to them and their religion. Even so, he accepted the death sentence, and he believed that nobody understands what happens after death. As such, Socrates faced his death with absolute courage as he did not know what death felt like. Socrates could not hesitate to hit out at all jurymen who voted against him, stating that they were more determined to silence him instead of listening to him. He finished by telling them that they have caused more harm to themselves than they have harmed him.
Works Cited
Danzig, Gabriel. “Apologizing for Socrates: Plato and Xenophon on Socrates’ behavior in court.” Transactions of the American Philological Association. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003.
Hackforth, Reginald. The composition of Plato’s Apology. Cambridge University Press, 2014.
Reeve, Charles David Chanel. Socrates in the Apology: an essay on Plato’s Apology of Socrates. Hackett Publishing, 1989.
The concept of real tides
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Tides
The concept of real tides
In a traditional sense, tides refer to the periodical rise and fall of water levels in the oceans and seas. Geologists, oceanographers and other scientists within earth sciences studied this phenomenon based on a simplified model compared to the actual model. Their studies revealed that tides resulted from the gravitational forces of three main celestial bodies; the sun, earth and moon. The moon’s gravity differential field acting upon the earth’s surface was discovered to be the principal tide generating force. Denny and Paine say it is responsible for the two equipotent bulges at opposite ends of the earth surface, which represent high tides due to centrifugal forces and the moon’s gravitational attraction (2). The areas remaining opposite areas represent low tides. This simplified model is however based on the equilibrium theory of tides.
Real tides are however much more complicated. The equilibrium theory of tides assumes that the sea surface that would be in equilibrium with the tide generating forces is elevated, and as such the earth surface is covered with water. The water would then respond instantaneously to these forces. Real tides on the other hand form on the real earth surface which is uneven in many respects. The ocean basins in reality have a very complex topographical bottom and coastal borderlines (Wright, Colling, and Parks 56). Real tides are the outcome of the interference of multiple tidal components by constructive and destructive waves resulting in a mixed wave. Real tides occur with the interference of semidiurnal tides and diurnal tides making them more complex. They are a representation of what actually takes place unlike the equilibrium theory of tides.
The main factors of real tides
In their research, Pham and Martin concluded that there are a numerous factors that directly influence real tides (67). The first factor that directly impacts the movement of water is the position of the sun and the moon. The moon is much closer to the earth compared to the sun. Its proximity and gravity differential field aggregated with that of the sun determine the timing and amplitude of real tides. The second factor is the topographical nature and features of the particular earth surface. In this case mainly land masses, ocean bed and coastal features. The third is the earth’s declination. The earth is tilted at 23°27’ vertically off, this coupled with the earth’s position relative to the position of the sun and moon as the earth revolves around the sun, the moon around the earth and both earth and moon rotating on their own axis (Pham and Martin 73).
Another important factor is the basin oscillation of the particular water body. Pham and Martin add that all water bodies, based on their size and shape, have a natural oscillation period. In any large water body such as oceans, there exists a number of different oscillating basins which affect real tide movement and wave formation, which are based on the degree of resonance with the tidal curvature (81). Cairns for example, is the most northerly part of Queensland, Austria. It is renowned for its frequent tropical cyclones. Most recently, Cyclone Yasi in 2011 resulted in the formation of waves up to 12 meters high at the coast of Cairns. These are as a result of the earth’s rotation and the subsequent blowing wind in the southern hemisphere (Tang, Yong Ming, et al. 18). The moon’s position relative to that of Cairns at the time played a big part. The Coriolis Effect of the earth’s rotation coupled with its inclination and the tide generating forces relative to the position of Cairns are also major determinant factors in the tidal formation in Cairns.
Works Cited
Denny, Mark W., and Robert T. Paine. “Celestial mechanics, sea-level changes, and intertidal ecology.” The Biological Bulletin 194.2 (1998): 108-115.
Pham, C., and Vanessa A. Martin. “Tidal current turbine demonstration farm in Paimpol-Brehat (Brittany): tidal characterization and energy yield evaluation with Telemac.” Proceedings of the 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference, Uppsala, Sweden. 2009.
Tang, Yong Ming, et al. “A numerical study of storm surges and tides, with application to the North Queensland coast.” Journal of physical oceanography 26.12 (1996): 2700-2711.
Wright, John, Angela Colling, and Dave Park, eds. Waves, tides and shallow-water processes. Vol. 4. Butterworth-Heinemann, 1999.