Housing in the Margins: Negotiating Urban Formalities in Berlin's Allotment Gardens

Housing in the Margins provides a novel approach to understanding housing precarity in the German housing crisis, bridging analytical divides between Northern and Southern states. It offers an innovative account of urban development in Berlin and a theoretical understanding of the ways in which negotiations and transgressions are embedded in the making of urban order.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Housing in the Margins is a groundbreaking book that delves into the complex world of unruly housing practices and their governance at the fringes of Berlin. It offers a comprehensive and theoretically informed exploration of this pressing issue, drawing on extensive empirical research to provide a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by those living in informal and precarious housing situations.

This book makes a unique empirical contribution to our understanding of housing precarity in the context of the German housing crisis. By examining the experiences of individuals and communities living in informal settlements and squats, the author sheds light on the ways in which economic, social, and political factors contribute to housing insecurity and inequality. Through innovative analysis and compelling storytelling, the book challenges traditional narratives and offers new insights into the complex dynamics of the housing market and state intervention.

One of the key strengths of Housing in the Margins is its novel approach to theorizing the nexus of informality and the state. The author challenges traditional dichotomies between Northern and Southern states and offers a nuanced understanding of how informal practices and state interventions interact and shape urban development. By drawing on insights from political economy, sociology, and geography, the book provides a rich and interdisciplinary framework for analyzing the complex relationships between informal economies, state power, and urban space.

Another innovative aspect of the book is its account of urban development in Berlin. The author offers a fresh perspective on the city's history and growth, highlighting the ways in which informal housing practices have shaped and been shaped by the city's development. Through detailed analysis of allotment gardens, squats, and other informal housing sites, the book demonstrates how these spaces have become important sites of resistance, creativity, and community building.

The book also provides a theoretical understanding of the ways in which negotiations and transgressions are embedded in the making of urban order. The author argues that informal housing practices are not necessarily disruptive or destructive but rather are a response to the limitations and constraints of the formal housing market. By exploring the ways in which individuals and communities negotiate with the state and other stakeholders, the book offers valuable insights into the complex processes of urban governance and the potential for alternative forms of urban planning and development.

In conclusion, Housing in the Margins is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and complexities of housing in the modern world. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of housing precarity, informal economies, state intervention, and urban development. Through its innovative approach and compelling storytelling, the book provides valuable insights into the ways in which we can create more inclusive and sustainable cities.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119540915