The Industrial Ephemeral: Labor and Love in Indian Architecture and Construction

The Industrial Ephemeral explores the impact of a multimillion-dollar industry on individuals, politics, and production chains in areas surrounding New Delhi, India. It highlights the personal histories of the laboring classes and the region's environmental and ecological transformations. Urban planning and architecture are messy processes that intertwine migratory pathways, corruption politics, labor struggles, ecological changes, and technological development. The construction activity creates an atmosphere of ephemerality in urban regions, supporting the industrial political economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The Industrial Ephemeral delves into the untold stories of the individuals, politics, and production chains that shape architecture, real estate, and construction in the areas surrounding New Delhi, India. Through the insightful discussions of Namita Vijay Dharia, the personal histories of India's large laboring classes come to life, shedding light on the region's dramatic environmental and ecological transformation in the twenty-first century. Urban planning and architecture are intricate processes that intertwine migratory pathways, corruption politics, labor struggles, ecological transformations, and technological advancements. The relentless surge of construction activity engenders a sense of ephemerality in urban regions, creating an aesthetic landscape that aligns with the industrial political economy. Dharia's profound analysis of the sensibilities and experiences of work offers a valuable perspective on the struggles of workers in a time of escalating urban inequality.

Introduction:
The Industrial Ephemeral explores the profound impact of a multimillion-dollar industry on the lives of those who work within it. By examining the intricate relationships between people, politics, and production chains, the book sheds light on the unseen aspects of architecture, real estate, and construction in the regions surrounding New Delhi, India. Through the personal narratives of individuals from India's large laboring classes, the book delves into the challenges and struggles they face in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Personal Histories:
The book brings to life the personal histories of those in India's large laboring classes, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives. Namita Vijay Dharia, the author, discusses the aggressive environmental and ecological metamorphosis of the region in the twenty-first century, highlighting the ways in which it has shaped the lives of workers. The personal stories of individuals who have been directly affected by these transformations offer a poignant glimpse into the struggles and resilience of the working class.

Urban Planning and Architecture:
Urban planning and architecture are messy processes that intertwine migratory pathways, corruption politics, labor struggles, ecological transformations, and technological development. The book explores how these factors shape the urban landscape and the experiences of those who work within it. Dharia highlights the ways in which rampant construction activity produces an atmosphere of ephemerality in urban regions, creating an aesthetic condition that supports the industrial political economy.

Ephemerality and Industrial Political Economy:
The book argues that the pervasive construction activity in urban regions creates an aesthetic condition that supports the industrial political economy. The ephemeral nature of the built environment supports the rapid turnover of capital and the accumulation of wealth by a small elite. The book explores how this dynamic affects the lives of workers, who are often left behind in the pursuit of economic growth and development.

Visibility and Struggle:
Dharia's brilliant analysis of the sensibilities and experiences of work lends visibility to the struggle of workers in an era of growing urban inequality. The book highlights the ways in which workers are marginalized and exploited by the industrial political economy, and how they are forced to navigate complex social and economic systems to survive. The personal stories of individuals who have faced discrimination, exploitation, and violence provide a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the working class.

Conclusion:
The Industrial Ephemeral is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the impact of a multimillion-dollar industry on the lives of those who work within it. By examining the complex interplay between personal histories, urban planning, architecture, and the industrial political economy, the book sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the working class in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and social science, and it will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520383098