Engines of Change in Old Paris and New Lagos

Engines of Change in Old Paris and New Lagos
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Engines of Change in Old Paris and New Lagos
‘History does not repeat itself, but often rhyme’s is a famous quote that can be used to contextualize the historical evolution of towns. This saying denotes that history does not unfold in precisely the same way, but some threads and elements reaped itself. This paper is an exposition of the socio-spatial correlation between Old Paris and Lagos.
The two historic cities have similarities and differences. Paris has a longer epoch of history than Lagos. Lagos and Old Paris arise from separate socio-economic contexts. Lagos is a city in developing countries, while Paris is in a developed nation. These disparities are more pronounced problems in one city than another. For example, slums and accessibility of basic essential services in Lagos city are more palpable than in the case of Paris. Furthermore, Paris has a more in-depth and lengthy history when compared to Lagos: Lagos historical data can be traced up to 1900, while Paris stretches back to 1700, or even more than that.
A number of factors determine the dynamics that relate and rhyme between the two cities. First, the agglomeration impact is quantitatively important, but it is quite an elusive concept. Second, the productive edge of large cities is constantly being reduced and must be sustained via innovations and job creation. Third, the phenomenon of creative destruction is a culmination of growth, which is determined by features of urban systems, in light of broader institutional engagements. Thus, the challenge of a city like Lagos is its inability to reinforce the role of the urban system as a driving force behind economic growth in the city (Duranton, 2014).
A glimpse into the historical development of Old Paris reveals tremendous progress in various aspects. Old Paris is a great town of nostalgia that weaves economic and sociological changes spanning centuries. The neighborhoods, streets, cafes, and boutiques in Paris commonly undisturbed mostly undisturbed by modernization and offer a nostalgic look at Paris’ golden days in the roaring 1920s ( WORLD OF WANDERLUST).
The emergence of Paris is traceable to the 1789 revolution. After the time of Louis XVI, France’s capital as moved from Versailles back to Paris, Place de la Bastille, this is now known for the opera house and student bars. Its name originates from the Bastille prison those at one time housed enemies of the king. The said prison, along with church and monarchy symbols, was destroyed by revolutionaries in 1789-90 (McHugh, 2019).
In the 1920s, France was marked by Années Folles, which was a term coined to describe a new way of thinking that was characterized by extravagance, richness, artistry, joy, socialization, and cultural collaboration (WORLD OF WANDERLUST). The old Paris in the 1920s, as marked by the closure of the First World War, heralded a wave of new changes. For example, women began to adopt the practice of good self-care, the middle class could now enjoy luxuries that were once reserved for the privileged elite, and there was also an increased interest for aesthetic pleasures such as fashion.
Île Saint-Louis is a conspicuous trademark of Old Paris. It is a small island that hosts Notre Dame Cathedral. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors who come in search of envious summer sunshine. Visitation of this place leads to a discovery of the best ice cream that is made under the guidance of the old Parisian style at Berthillon (WORLD OF WANDERLUST). The Paris transformation was also marked by events that occurred in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church had been the largest landowner, but this land was ceded to the French republic and was then sold to pay debts, following the revolution.
The neighborhood of Montmartre represents a narration of Paris glory days through picturesque buildings, authentic local boutiques, ornate Parisian balconies, and small cafes that present a wave of nostalgia. St Germain is an epitome of affluence. It also represents a thread of history where the few cafes and vintage stores trace the path of history (WORLD OF WANDERLUST). But are these the history still present the way it was? The answer is, no! The old Paris has been erased and replaced. A significant amount of evidence of history has been swept away!
The groundbreaking transformation of the old Paris has occurred. The ancient structure, including, e.g., medieval roads have been replaced with manicured squares, police station, and hospital, but what has remained constant regarding the majority of these structures is, cream-coloured stone. The changes have had to come at a cost. The old Paris is now characterized by intolerable new buildings, costly confusion, excess materialism, and the triumphant vulgarity (McHugh, 2019). Their Paris has undergone a rebranding and refreshing where its traditional architectural elements are gone, and this now being replaced by a bright and shiny industrial center (McHugh, 2019). Many writers, including Zola, perceived contemporary Paris as a representation of shame, and Zola describes it as “enormous hyp...