Abandonment as a Social Fact: The Problem of Unused and Unmaintained Private Buildings in a Neo-institutional Perspective

This book provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of urban abandonment, combining urban studies, neo-institutionalist perspectives, and social ontology. It builds an analytical framework to interpret the phenomenon and examines the case study of Milan in depth, highlighting how institutional frameworks influence individual behavior and actions. The book aims to show that the problem of urban abandonment should be understood as a social fact rather than a brute fact and emphasizes the role of private and public entities in addressing it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 89 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book offers a multi-disciplinary exploration of the complex issue of "abandonment" at the intersection of urban studies, neo-institutionalist perspectives, and social ontology. It presents an analytical framework, rooted in descriptive and operational concerns, factors, reasons, and policies, to interpret the phenomenon of abandonment and potential intervention strategies. The book takes a broad view of the Italian context and delves into a detailed case study of Milan, highlighting its significance in sparking public discussions on the problem of abandonment within a non-shrinking urban environment. Furthermore, recent policy initiatives have been introduced to address this issue.

The primary objective of the book is to challenge the notion of "abandonment" as a mere physical reality and instead perceive it as a social phenomenon. It emphasizes that the "abandoned" state of buildings is not solely determined by physical attributes but rather is intricately linked to human evaluations and perceptions. Within this framework, the book explores how institutional frameworks, including sets of rules of conduct, shape individual behavior and actions over time. It identifies abandonment as a multifaceted phenomenon involving both private and public entities, highlighting the interplay between property rights, formal constraints, policy decision-making, intervention strategies, and their implementation.

The neo-institutional approach plays a pivotal role in this study, shedding light on how the problem of abandonment is intricately connected with property rights, legal frameworks, rationales behind policy decisions, intervention strategies, and their actual implementations. By examining these interconnections, the book provides valuable insights into the complexities of urban abandonment and offers practical solutions for addressing this pressing issue.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of urban abandonment, exploring intervention strategies, and promoting sustainable urban development. Its multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive analysis provide a rich foundation for addressing the challenges posed by abandoned buildings and revitalizing urban spaces.

Weight: 163g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030903664
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022