9. City Identity- Comparison

Urban Identity by City Top-Level Domains

By Dirk Krischenowski

This document is intended to be a starting point for a discussion on upcoming city Top-Level Domain Names (city TLDs) such as .berlin, .nyc, or .london. It reflects considerations about the impact of city TLDs on the city society, the individuals in the city, the regional and global environment, and the Internet at large... more

Krischenowski, Dirk, January 2006, ‘Urban identities by city top level domains’, CircleID Internet infrastructure, Blogs.<http://www.circleid.com/posts/urban_identity_by_city_top_level_domains>, [Accessed 7 October 2010].

What is “cities identity”? Every city has an identity including every individual living being. Who exactly are you and how does one actually present one’s identity (including cities)? According to Krischenowski (2006) article, he speaks how the “urban millennium” has begun and the large population growth in every city around the world.  He also emphasizes the ‘terms like metrolization, urban primacy, urban phenomenon, swarm intelligence, self-assembly and community building has been invented to describe how cities breathe and influence their environment.’ With so many upcoming cities, there has been a must to compete and promote city’s own and individual identity. In this article, he also states that ‘city image and urban identity have become key issues of mayors, city managers and urban planners. It has become essential to emotionally bind local residents and businesses to a city (civic pride), and to attract outside interest and invest in the city. Tools used to market the city to citizens and abroad are branding, websites, sporting, cultural events and institutions, landmark buildings and projects, architecture and public space.’    

I have included 2 cities examples on marketing the city with “architecture and public space”.

KLCC Tower, Color Marker Rendered: by Corinth A. Ooi

Petronas Twin Tower:

-          Based in Kuala Lumpur and was pronounce as one of the tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. Designed by Argentine architects César Pelli & Associates (USA) the Petronas Towers were completed in 1998. Soaring at 452 meters sky high, the 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with steel and glass facade designed to resemble the motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. It is proudly recognize as an identity of Malaysia and a national pride to the Malaysians.

Sydney Opera House, Rough Pencil Sketched: by Corinth A. Ooi

Opera House:

-          Located at Sydney harbor, constructed and build by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. It is a masterpiece of late modern architecture and admired by millions internationally. Under urbanism sculpture, it represents significant strands of creativity, both in architectural and structural design. It has made a reputation as Sydney and Australian icon and identity. 

There are many more examples, like ‘Statue of Liberty’ in New York and the ‘Eiffel tower’ in Paris. So which architecture building signifies Melbourne? Is it Federation Square or the Eureka Sky deck?  Maybe the both of it.

 

8. Graffiti identity

My very own version of graffiti art.

LilithFilth, November 2007. Melbourne’s Graffiti Identity, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hEFbTdoMSg&feature=related> [Accessed 5 Oct 2010].

In this You Tube video, it basically previews a compilation of some amazing graffiti arts around the city of Melbourne.

Vandalism or not, but in Melbourne graffiti is considered as a piece of art, maybe even as a masterpiece. Surprisingly, only in Melbourne, graffiti is art. Graffiti is counted as one of the unique image of Melbourne and there is even a site that dedicates or acknowledges the artwork of the graffiti artist, check it out at http://www.melbournegraffiti.com . 

Melbourne graffiti considered for heritage protection

The debate surrounding graffiti has been reignited in Melbourne today with the city's laneway art being considered for heritage protection.

Australia's National Trust and Heritage Victoria are both supporting a move to protect the city's graffiti, but some local council groups say this would just give a green light to vandals.

With the idea of graffiti as an art form in its own right gaining momentum locally... more

Rachel Brown, June 2008, ‘Melbourne graffiti considered for heritage protection’, ABC News, news, stories. <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282978.htm> [Accessed 5 Oct 2010]

In Brown’s article, she mentioned graffiti is so wide spread and popular in Melbourne, it has ‘reignite debates on the surrounding graffiti in the city of Melbourne’s laneway arts to be considered for heritage protection’ (para1). However, there are some local councils whom protest against the idea stating that it will ‘give green lights to the vandals’ (para2). Ms Avery, Trust’s cultural heritage manager, argued saying “I see in Melbourne that graffiti art is an important part of the spectrum of cultural and design activities that Melburnians engage with” (para5). 

One of the most famous British graffiti artist named Banksy, whom artwork has been sold and bought by Angelina Jolie for 200,000 pounds inspires the councils of Melbourne to ponder the protection of graffiti laneways may worth money under the tourist industry. Banksy has even complimented quoting ‘Melbourne's laneways are arguably Australia's most significant contribution to the arts’ (para6). 

Even though every individual graffiti art piece is just ephemeral, it is recognized as Melbourne’s identity as it is extraordinary, and appreciated in every laneways in the city of Melbourne. It is not a vandalism act but to be viewed and accepted as a great street art on walls.

7. Profile page

City of Melbourne profile

Melbourne is Victoria’s capital city and the business, administrative, cultural and recreational hub of the state.

Melbourne at a glance

The City of Melbourne's city centre covers 37.6sq km and has a residential population of around 89,759. Each day,... more

Editors, no date, ‘City of Melbourne profile’, city of Melbourne, about, profile. < http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/MelbourneProfile/Pages/CityofMelbourneprofile.aspx> [Accessed 6 October 2010]

By getting to know who Melbourne is, a little details and understanding of Melbourne’s profile can be intriguing. ‘Melbourne is Victoria’s capital city which includes business, administrative, cultural and recreational hub of state’ (para1). In the city itself, it has a population made up of multicultural communities and indigenous group of 89,759, and each day an estimation of 771,000 people use the city for example, work, studies and shopping.  It is also a major tourist attraction which draws million of international visitors every year. It consists of 145,000 cafes and restaurant for people to dine and 567.8 hectares of parkland for people to stroll and unwind. 

One more important fact is, ‘The City of Melbourne works with other local councils and the State Government of Victoria to ensure that Melbourne is one of the safest, healthiest, and cleanest cities in the world. It supports Melbourne's position as Australia's pre-eminent centre for arts and culture, education, dining and shopping’ (para7). 

Adding a little extra profile on Melbourne, it actually has the ‘reputation for its changeable weather. A tip for any visitor is to be prepared for anything – take an umbrella and wear layers that can be worn or removed as needed!’(weather&climate, para1). As the weather is so unpredictable in Melbourne, it is better to be safe and well prepared than getting drench or soak with either rain or sweat. Indeed, Melbourne is famously known and identified as the multicultural communities, the livable lifestyle and the unpredictable weather. 

Extra reference:

Editors, no date, ‘Melbourne’s weather and climate’, city of Melbourne, about, profile. < http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/MelbourneProfile/Pages/Melbourneweatherandclimate.aspx> [Accessed 9 Oct 2010]

6. Lifestyle- character

Anrminator, January 2008, Melbourne City Lifestyle- Victoria Australia. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr97WYxIN74> [Accessed 5 October 2010]

As describe by many, Melbourne is a harmony place to live in. This short documentary depicts about the many different lifestyle and people living in Melbourne. How ‘Melbourne has push the boundaries on the aesthetic creativity like arts, food, sports, architecture and life in general’. 

Based on the short description by the contributor (anrminator), he written ‘Melbourne is a city of style and sophistication, with an inviting cosmopolitan atmosphere.’ There is a wide range of style and creativity in Melbourne, from fashion boutiques, to the laneway cafes, street art galleries and bars. On the plus side, with mix and multicultural races in Melbourne, one gets to enjoy all the exotic lifestyle and cuisine in every corner or lanes in Melbourne city.

It is indeed a unique experience which one must simply take the time to admire and escape from the hectic lifestyle and enjoy what Melbourne has to offer.  

This short documentary also emphasized stating, ‘in multicultural Melbourne, with its distinct, precinct and personalities, it is intensity unlike any other place on earth’. Melbourne has truly set an image of a comfortable and a warm welcome to anyone globally with its multicultural lifestyle.

Lifestyle editor, no date, ‘Melbourne Lifestyle’, moveandstay.com, executive lifestyle worldwide, lifestyle. < http://www.moveandstay.com/melbourne/guide_lifestyle.asp>, [Accessed 6 October 2010]

Again and again, Melbourne has been categorized as an ideal and most livable city on earth. The reason being they have created such an exceptional image that inputs in everyone mind as one of the best city on earth. In this article, it highlights about the extraordinary scene of beauty and tranquility which the city is situated in between the river and bay. It also emphasize on the special lifestyle which the Melburnians lead like in sports, food, fashion and arts.

Having a rich multicultural population has also contributed to the fact that Melbourne is lovable and an identity which gathers people around the globe in one place where everyone can learn and get to know each other.

Hence, Melbourne lifestyle is also part of its identity.It is just like a human character that makes a part of an identity.

5. Melbourne Music

New festival to celebrate Melbourne – the city of music

 Thursday, 6 May 2010  

Melbourne’s heartbeat is music. 

Today City of Melbourne has announced a 12-day festival to showcase the very best... more

Editors, May 2010, ‘New festival to celebrate Melbourne- the city of music’, City of Melbourne, Council, media release. < http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/NewfestivaltocelebrateMelbourne%E2%80%93thecityofmusic.aspx> [Accessed 6 October 2010]

It is finally announced, Melbourne has its own noise and music. ‘Melbourne’s heartbeat is music' (para1). The city council of Melbourne has declared a ‘12-day festival to showcase the very best of the music industry and celebrate the diversity of the local scene’ (para2). 

This festival is to gather the entire musician into a platform to celebrate, nurture, encourage and share the music scene locally in Melbourne and internationally too.  The Lord Mayor, Doyle has proclaimed ‘The city’s live music scene is world renowned. We have our own world-class symphony orchestra, an opera company, and Melbourne is acknowledged as the leading location in Australia for live music and musical theatre’ (para6), he adds on ‘from contemporary to classical, indie to mainstream – Melbourne Music will showcase the music industry’s best and brightest’ (para7). 

The Music Victoria industry was also glad and applauded the council for financially support and promotes the music in Melbourne.

Since this event and festival are officially launch, ‘both free and ticketed performances will take place throughout the CBD, from live music venues and laneways, to the Melbourne Town Hall and the Arts Centre, to City Square and Federation Square’ (para12). It will on for those 12 days from the 29 of September to the 10 of October. For more information check out the official website at http://melbmusic.com/Pages/melbournemusic.aspx.

Has Melbourne music got what it takes to be qualified as Melbourne’s Identity? Regarded to the article above, the laneways and the special features in Melbourne have certainly contributed to the one of a kind Melbourne's music.

4. TV series- Film

AustralianTVchannel, February 2009. Melbourne’s Underbelly Intro, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxg9yRDEPio&feature=related> [Accessed 5 October 2010].

P1turep3rfect, April 2010. HD Intro: Underbelly- the golden mile, < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKjfd23JCZ8&feature=related> [Accessed 5 October 2010].

Seen the TV series “underbelly”? Apparently this TV series has been made well known and hit the top box office in Australia and the United States of America. It was aired in Nine Network at 2008 throughout Australia except Melbourne, Victoria, reason being this TV series was based on the true story about retelling the real events of the gangland war which occurred in Melbourne, and during that current time there was a case circulating that involved this incident too, so it was a sensitive issue and was censored. 

Despite the original series was never premier in Melbourne, Victoria, Melburnians still get a chance to watch the prequels of the series called “Underbelly- The Golden Mile” in 2010.

O’Sullivan, Kay, July 2009, ‘Criminal history on Underbelly tour’, the Sydney morning herald, travel news, article. < http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/criminal-history-on-melbournes-underbelly-tour-20090716-dmoy.html > [Accessed 5 October 2010]

 

Well, one might ask how “Underbelly” is related to Melbourne’s identity. In O’Sullivan’s article, he strongly stated, ‘The popularity of the Underbelly television series and the ongoing fascination with Melbourne's crime wars guaranteed a tour of Melbourne's mean streets’ (para1).  

While the whole crime tour is not solely about “Underbelly”, it does promote and attract tourist to visit and understand the history of crime in Melbourne and stops in the central district city of Melbourne, including Queen Street and Lygon Street.  

In a way, Melbourne’s Underbelly does play a part by introducing the ugly and down side of Melbourne’s Identity.