The first city, how it changed architecture forever

Everything started somewhere, and for Architectural city development, it began in Uruk, in modern day Iraq. Built around 4000 BC, the first ever city paved the way for cityscapes forever. The construction of Uruk in Mesopotamia was a hugely significant milestone in human history as its civilisation was the very first of its kind, utilising their current technology and urban settlements that laid the foundations for future modern cities (Iqbal. S, 2017, Impact of Environment on Architecture of Mesopotamia).

With it being home to the stepped temple the Ziggurat, the important influence that has had on modern day construction techniques can be seen through architectural form and symbolism. This traces back monumental structures as cultural and religious centres to the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia. The Governmental structure of the first city is very different to the modern day as it was primarily centred around religion (Hatalosky. G, 2016, Religious and Political Aspects of Uruk, Prezzi). Although that has been prevalent throughout history, it is much less supported now due to periods such as the enlightenment. Influences from their monumental stepped structures and terraces like the Ziggurat have inspired newer designs, for example St Paul's Cathedral built in 1675.  Uruk also contained other notable elements such as brick defensive walls, a key feature that has been used all throughout history and in current times.

(White Temple and Its Ziggurat, Uruk)

The city and those that have come after it represent the transitions between small, nomadic communities to larger and more organised settlements. Uruk’s urban planning has inspired contemporary design in various ways; its organised layout and use of zoning has proven to be an effective way to layout a city and now grid based city layouts can be seen all over the modern world. As they lay the ground for social, cultural and technological advancements, the concept of urban cities shapes the world today as globally, society has become much more interconnected with each other and this can be seen through the progression in design.

(Sumerian Ruins at Uruk, Nik Wheeler)

References:

Iqbal. S, 2017, ‘Impact of Environment on Architecture of Mesopotamia With Respect To The Use Of Materials, Tools and Mode of Construction’ 

Hatalosky. G, 2016, ‘Religious and Political Aspects of Uruk’, Prezzi, https://prezi.com/pced4fudv-s0/religious-and-political-aspects-of-uruk/ 

Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art, 2003, ‘Uruk The First City’, Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/uruk/hd_uruk.htm