Transnational Architecture and Urbanism: Rethinking How Cities Plan, Transform, and Learn

Description

Transnational Architecture and Urbanism combines urban planning, design, policy, and geography studies to offer place-based and project-oriented insight into relevant case studies of urban transformation in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Since the 1990s, increasingly multinational modes of design have arisen, especially concerning prominent buildings and places. Traditional planning and design disciplines have proven to have limited comprehension of, and little grip on, such transformations. Public and scholarly discussions argue that these projects and transformations derive from socioeconomic, political, cultural trends or conditions of globalization. The author suggests that general urban theories are relevant as background, but of limited efficacy when dealing with such context-bound projects and policies. This book critically investigates emerging problematic issues such as the spectacularization of the urban environment, the decontextualization of design practice, and the global circulation of plans and projects. The book portends new conceptualizations, evidence-based explanations, and practical understanding for architects, planners, and policy makers to critically learn from practice, to cope with these transnational issues, and to put better planning in place. Dedication Contents List of illustrations Introduction Part I: Transnational architecture and urbanism 1 The transnational transformations of contemporary cities 2 Looking for (urban) troubles across disciplines 3 A conceptual framework for usable knowledge in contemporary cities 4 Critical approach and pragmatic attitude Part II: Critical issues 5 Spectacularization of contemporary architecture and the urban environment 6 Urban personification and the mobilities of global experts 7 Decontextualization of architectural and urban design 8 Plan circulation and complex transfers 9 Transfer of megastructures and buildings 10 Homogenization of central places and urban landscapes Part III: Conclusions 11 Planning, learning, and dealing with transnational architecture and urbanism 12 How can urban planners, designers, and policy makers cope with these issues? Index