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In a series of essays, the process of urbanisation - a human mega-trend acquiring unprecedented scale and speed as globalisation proceeds - is examined in the most diverse contexts and stages of development. Drawing on scientific references and identifying recurring themes like dispersion, privatisation and vitality, Fiedler devises the glossary for a cross-cultural understanding of the global urban system emerging. Images and anecdotal evidence reconnect these themes to local realities. The tone of the essays conveys a post-voluntarist attitude, derived from many years of professional experience - critical of both neoliberal practices and determinist ideas.
To "condemn the reality" of global urbanization "is fruitless", writes Johannes Fiedler in this unlimited view of a world of constant motion, subject no longer to just its planetary rotations, but also to the constant push and pull of its various populations, some of whose giant constructionsshift the earth's axis.
From the foreword by Lars Lerup
List of contents
Wild Urbanism.- Introduction and Acknowledgements.- Abstraction.- Brazilianisation.- Convergence.- Dispersion.- Expansion.- Gentrification.- Hegemony.- Modernisation.- Privatisation.- Regulation.- Segregation.- Urban Space.- Vitality.- Afterword.- References.
About the author
Johannes Fiedler is an architect and urban planner with a 25-year career as an international urban consultant. He has engaged in numerous projects in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the academic field, he has conducted research on global urbanisation issues and holds a doctoral degree in urban planning and contemporary history. For the past ten years he has been lecturing in urban design and planning at universities in Austria, Germany and, most recently, Ethiopia. His current research focuses on public space and spatial justice face is an architect and urban planner with a 25-year career as an international urban consultant. He has engaged in numerous projects in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the academic field, he has conducted research on global urbanisation issues and holds a doctoral degree in urban planning and contemporary history. For the past ten years he has been lecturing in urban design and planning at universities in Austria, Germany and, most recently, Ethiopia. His current research focuses on public space and spatial justice.
Summary
An effective insight is given into the workings of urbanisation without requiring scientific background
Unique cases embedded in broader analytical reasoning
The book appeals to architects interested in urban development
