Dr. Barnett offers a brief history and background of Australia and New Zealand from his perspective as a landscape architect and longtime citizen. His remarks in brief:
- Social life down under very similar to that of US
- AUS and NZ last colonies of the British Empire. Long protracted period of separation from Mother country. Differ from US, which separated from UK in revolution.
- 1970's UK decides to treat AUS and NZ as it does any other country.
- Nomadic peoples compared to US - lots of travelers
- College graduates typically trvel 1-2 yrs abroad before returning for a graduate degree.
- Less investment in traditions compared with US, UK
- Cities more cosmopolitan - huge hospitality industry
- Politically - some version of social democracy - government subsidized low cost schools and medical care.
- Australia
- Round and fat continent
- "a green fringe around a burning desert."
- Rich in natural mineral resources. Major supplier of resources to China and Asia.
- Also agricultural supplier: meat, grains.
- Exploitation of environment has led to serious environmental problems.
- Economy booming from mineral exports, e.g. coal, iron, etc.
- Main urban areas: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
- New Zealand
- long and thin island country
- more water, fewer minerals
- agricultural: dairy and beef cattle, sheep
- population = Alabama
- cultural blend of US and UK
- Auckland - check out Queen street - contrast between old and more modern (1980's) architecture.
- Melbourne
- major city - grid systems with alleys
- 2 major universities - students live in town and spend less time in studios and classes
- vibrant city
- Aborigines
- Original people of AUS - 50,000 years continuous habitation of continent
- many nomadic tribes
- series negative impact of white colonists
- Maori -
- descendants of Polynesians settled in NZ
- great respect for and connection to natural world
- 1970's Maori Renaissance - cultural revival
- School system based on Maori language
- Strong marketing of Maori culture to tourism while preserving essence of culture - "heartfelt deep experience of life".
- Comfortable in both modern technological world and in nature
- New Zealand Architecture
- Architectural environmental sensitivity
- Organic relationship with environment - rapid climate changes
Thank you Dr. Barnett!
Prof. Hein demonstrates blog and reviews requirements for study abroad class: Life Down Under - see class tab of this blog for details.
Prof. Sattineni schedules next meeting with BSCI students for Monday 11/7/2011. Students should have a thesis statement/question formulated for that meeting.
mh
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