Paradoxical Urbanism: Anti-Urban Currents in Modern Urbanism

Modernist urbanism is progressive, but two currents undermine it: Arcadianism and instrumentalism. This book examines the roots of modernist urbanism in Cartesian space and identifies contradictions in its instrumentalism and reliance on de-politicized professional expertise. It suggests a move from modernist instrumentalism to a creative and radically democratic co-production of the built environment to create places of proximity, diversity, mobility, and agency.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Modernist urbanism appears to be a progressive and even utopian approach to designing a better world through a democratic and humane built environment. However, two internal currents threaten to undermine this vision. Firstly, there is an Arcadianism that retreats to a rural idyll as a means of escaping change and the consequences of industrialization. Secondly, there is an instrumentalism that transforms the humane vision into a prescriptive and anti-democratic approach. Malcolm Miles argues that these two currents undermine modernism's progressive vision.

This book delves into the origins of modernist urbanism in the seamless and self-contained systems of Cartesian space, identifying contradictions within modernist urbanism in its instrumentalism and reliance on de-politicized professional expertise. Miles skillfully examines the postmodern culture of industrial ruinscapes and proposes that if cities are to be places of proximity, diversity, mobility, and agency, a shift from modernist instrumentalism to a creative and radically democratic co-production of the built environment is necessary.

In conclusion, modernist urbanism holds the potential to create a better world through a democratic and humane built environment. However, the threat of Arcadianism and instrumentalism needs to be addressed to fully realize this vision. By exploring the roots of modernist urbanism, identifying contradictions, and advocating for a shift towards creative and democratic co-production, cities can become vibrant and inclusive spaces for all.

Weight: 193g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811563430
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021