Emerging Civic Urbanisms in Asia: Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei beyond Developmental Urbanization

Citizens in parts of Asia are increasingly involved in shaping their neighborhoods and cities, leading to a surge of civic urbanism. This is due to an evolving relationship between the state and civil society, with eighteen cases of grassroots activism and resistance, collaboration and placemaking, neighborhood community building, and self-organization and commoning presented. Civic urbanism is an aspirational model of urban governance for cities in Asia and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

In recent years, a remarkable shift has taken place in parts of Asia, where citizens are becoming increasingly active in shaping their neighborhoods and cities. This departure from the traditional state-led or market-driven urban development models represents a significant shift in the dynamics of urban growth and transformation. The emergence of civic urbanisms is a result of an evolving relationship between the state and civil society, where citizens are taking a more active role in decision-making processes and shaping the urban landscape.

This volume offers valuable insights into the recent surge of civic urbanism in Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei. Through eighteen case studies, the authors explore how the changing state-civil society relationship impacts grassroots activism, resistance, collaboration, placemaking, neighborhood community building, and self-organization and commoning in these cities. By examining how citizen participation and state-civil society partnerships contribute to the development of more resilient and participatory neighborhoods and cities, the authors propose civic urbanisms as a conceptual framework and aspirational model of urban governance for cities in Asia and beyond.

One of the key findings of the volume is that civic urbanism is not merely a response to specific urban challenges or crises but rather a proactive approach to urban governance. Citizens are recognizing the importance of their voices and agency in shaping the future of their cities and are taking action to address social, economic, and environmental issues at the local level. This shift towards citizen-led urban development has the potential to create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities.

Another important aspect of civic urbanism is the emphasis on collaboration and placemaking. Citizens are working together to create shared spaces, public amenities, and cultural events that promote social cohesion and community engagement. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also contributes to the development of a sense of belonging and identity.

Furthermore, civic urbanism recognizes the importance of neighborhood community building and the role that local organizations and community groups play in fostering social capital and promoting community development. By working together, citizens can address the specific needs and concerns of their neighborhoods and create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the urban environment.

Self-organization and commoning are also key components of civic urbanism. Citizens are forming grassroots organizations and networks to advocate for their rights and interests and to participate in decision-making processes. These organizations and networks provide a platform for citizens to express their opinions, share resources, and mobilize collective action.

However, civic urbanism is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the need for effective governance and policy frameworks that support and promote citizen participation and collaboration. Many cities in Asia face complex urban challenges, such as urbanization, inequality, and environmental degradation, and require innovative and responsive governance strategies to address these issues.

Another challenge is the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders, including the state, private sector, and civil society. While citizen participation and collaboration are essential for urban development, they may also pose challenges to the existing power structures and hierarch

In conclusion, civic urbanism represents a significant shift in the dynamics of urban growth and transformation in parts of Asia. By empowering citizens and promoting citizen-led urban development, civic urbanism has the potential to create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities. Through the exploration of eighteen case studies in this volume, the authors provide valuable insights into how the changing state-civil society relationship affects grassroots activism, resistance, collaboration, placemaking, neighborhood community building, and self-organization and commoning in these cities. By adopting a civic urbanism approach, cities in Asia can foster a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the urban environment, promote social cohesion and community engagement, and address the complex urban challenges of our time.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463728546