[W Forum] Palisade

'Palisade.' The first time I saw this word, which brings to mind a car model from an automobile company, was at the entrance of a prehistoric archaeological site abroad.

Looking it up in the dictionary, it simply says "fence," which might lead one to misunderstand it as a fence around a detached house or a small white-painted fence around a flower bed, but it is not such a pretty or quaint feeling.

A palisade is a defensive barrier used by primitive tribes to protect their village from enemies, made by sharpening tall trees like spears and connecting them to prevent intrusion. Some trees were sharpened not only at the top but also at eye level, which was quite chilling.

Unlike other animals, humans have difficulty giving birth alone. Due to the reduced pelvis from upright walking and the enlarged brain caused by dietary changes, the diameter of the fetus's head is larger than the birth canal, making childbirth very difficult. During the twisting process through the narrow birth canal, the fetus’s head faces backward, so if the mother gives birth alone like other primates, the fetus’s neck could be broken. Someone’s help is absolutely necessary. There is even a claim that this risky process of social childbirth is the driving force behind today’s successful humanity (Karen Rosenberg).

We needed palisades, and by living together, passing down wisdom, and collectively overpowering enemies, we succeeded.

Time has passed, and the successful people of the Republic of Korea are now building walls around apartment complexes. Due to fences within some apartment complexes, not only delivery vehicles but also outsiders may be denied entry in the future. Because they dislike outsiders entering their apartment complexes and want to create safe and comfortable living spaces... If every apartment complex builds walls, will it really become as safe as they think?

The lecture by Syrian architect Marwa comes to mind. Historically, Syria was a peaceful place that embraced various religions, cultures, and foods. Islamic mosques and Christian churches were adjacent to bustling markets and public spaces, with their proportions and sizes decided considering humanity and harmony, living in communication. Women of different religions laughed while gossiping about their husbands at the well, people bargained in the market, and children from different social classes played together at the playground. However, modernization under French colonial rule divided people by class, faith, and wealth within concrete walls. The result was tragic. As communication decreased, civil war broke out over religious, class, and interest conflicts, destroying all cities.

Looking at the history of apartment development in Korea, facilities like children’s playgrounds, which should have been provided by the government, became sales incentives. When buying an apartment, one was told they could use playgrounds, senior centers, exercise facilities, and various convenience facilities. Now, with high-end amenities such as waterway walking paths and swimming pools built inside apartment complexes, residents want to protect their privacy. That is why they hesitate not only to allow delivery vehicles but even outsiders to walk through. While the reason is understandable, if every apartment complex builds walls and creates 'isolated islands,' will it truly become comfortable?

In advanced countries, there are many apartments but no closed-off complexes. Their apartments are built small and constantly interact with the surrounding environment. In the same space, we should share thoughts and live together, talking about Buddha’s asceticism and Jesus’s love. That is why humanity has succeeded.

Seo Jaeyeon, Executive Director, Galleria WM, Mirae Asset Securities