Abstract Summary
Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast had their urban landscapes deeply molded by the pervasive influence of the oil industry over the past decades. As shifts in economic and environmental paradigms hinted at the potential decline of the oil industry, an urgent question arose: How should the region transition to post-oil urbanism? This research delved into the intricate spatialities associated with the oil sector in Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast. The investigation unraveled the degree to which the oil and petroleum sectors steered urban growth in the designated regions, highlighting any unique urban features stemming from this relationship. It further sought to forecast potential urban trajectories in a post-oil context and identify urban planning techniques to bolster the shift towards post-oil urbanism, considering their economic and environmental repercussions. Furthermore, the study aimed to document and interpret cultural narratives linked to the oil domain and speculate on their evolution in a world beyond oil. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive, mixed-methods strategy was employed. Archival exploration involved the scrutiny of historical maps, textual records, and visual materials, tracing the temporal and spatial evolution of the oil sector. Specific urban hubs, such as Houston, underwent in-depth examination to discern the symbiosis between their growth and the oil and gas industries. Enriching the findings with grassroots perspectives, the research organized workshops and focus group discussions with regional stakeholders, yielding insights into the nexus between oil and urban development from those who lived it. The outcomes and results of this intensive inquiry were multifaceted. Findings indicated that oil industries were paramount in urban zoning decisions, infrastructure investments, and socio-cultural fabric weaving in these regions. The research also unveiled potential challenges in a post-oil era, including infrastructural redundancy, unemployment spikes, and cultural dislocation. On a more positive note, opportunities for urban revitalization, green infrastructure development, and cultural rebirth became evident. From a planning perspective, potential strategies, such as adaptive reuse of oil infrastructure, fostering green tech industries, and heritage conservation of oil-related landmarks, were suggested. Cultural shifts towards post-oil narratives were explored, emphasizing the role of arts, education, and community engagement in this transition. In sum, the research not only offered a holistic historical account of oil-dominated urbanism but also charted a roadmap for Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast's resilient and sustainable future.
