Urbanisation, unlimited A Thematic Journey [Paperback]

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 constructions shift the earths axis.

From the foreword by Lars Lerup

This volume of essays on urbanisation explores core themes such as privatisation and vitality. Using exemplars from places as diverse as Brazil and the Middle East, its post-voluntarist perspective rejects neoliberal and determinist planning traditions.

Wild Urbanism.- Introduction and Acknowledgements.- Abstraction.- Brazilianisation.- Convergence.- Dispersion.- Expansion.- Gentrification.- Hegemony.- Modernisation.- Privatisation.- Regulation.- Segregation.- Urban Space.- Vitality.- Afterword.- References.