Reconstructing Modernity: Space, Power and Governance in Mid-Twentieth Century British Cities

This book examines the redevelopment of British cities in the immediate post-war, challenging existing histories of reconstruction and urban modernism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Reconstructing modernity delves into the intricate dynamics of approaches to rebuilding British cities in the decades following the Second World War. It uncovers the strategies employed by spatial governance to reshape society and examines the influential figures who drove these processes. This thought-provoking book challenges conventional notions of urban modernism and sheds light on the critical significance of the immediate post-war period in shaping the trajectory of planned urban renewal in the twentieth century.

It scrutinizes the blueprints and policies formulated to create and govern lived spaces, encompassing a wide range of entities such as shopping centers, housing estates, parks, schools, and homes. By exploring how and why these plans succeeded or failed, the book provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms that shaped urban landscapes. It emphasizes the pivotal role of the material space of the city and how individuals interacted with and experienced it in understanding historical transformations within urban contexts.

This comprehensive book appeals to a wide range of interests, including urban modernism, the utilization of space in town planning, the urban histories of post-war Britain, and the study of social housing. It offers a rich and insightful examination of the complex processes that shaped the modern city, providing valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526114143