The Interstitial Spaces of Urban Sprawl: Geographies of Santiago de Chile's Zwischenstadt

The book "Interstitial Space: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Urban Transformations" explores the concept of interstitial space as a framework to understand the transformative effects of in-between lands in cities. It discusses the conceptual grounds, nature, geographical scale, and relationality of interstitial spaces and introduces seven cases to illustrate their varied nature. It is an essential text for scholars and advanced students in urban planning, strategic spatial planning, landscape planning, urban design, architecture, and other cognate disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding and describing the implications of in-between lands in urban studies, emphasizing their profound transformative effects on cities and their urban character. The analysis of interstitial spaces is organized into four themes: conceptual grounds, nature of interstices, geographical scale, and relationality. The empirical section showcases seven diverse cases to illustrate the varied nature of interstitiality, while the conclusion chapter explores reflections on further lines of enquiry and theories of urbanization, urban sprawl, and cities. This comprehensive text is invaluable for scholars, researchers, and advanced students in urban planning, strategic spatial planning, landscape planning, urban design, architecture, and related disciplines.

Introduction:
In urban studies, the concept of interstitial space has gained significant attention as a theoretical framework to explore and understand the complexities of in-between lands within cities. These spaces, often overlooked or marginalized, hold immense transformative power and play a crucial role in shaping the urban landscape. This book aims to provide a comprehensive examination of interstitial spaces, their characteristics, and their implications for cities and their urban character.
Theoretical Framework:
The analysis of interstitial spaces is structured into four themes: conceptual grounds, nature of interstices, geographical scale, and relationality. The conceptual grounds delve into the theoretical foundations of interstitial spaces, exploring their origins, definitions, and theoretical perspectives. The nature of interstices examines the physical, social, and cultural aspects of these spaces, highlighting their unique qualities and characteristics. The geographical scale explores the spatial distribution and characteristics of interstitial spaces across different urban contexts, including their relationship to urban fabrics, infrastructure, and land use patterns. Lastly, the relationality of interstices explores the interactions and relationships between interstitial spaces and other urban elements, such as buildings, streets, parks, and public spaces.
Empirical Section:
The empirical section of the book introduces seven cases that illustrate the varied nature of interstitiality. These cases represent different urban contexts, ranging from historic city centers to suburban areas, and from developed to developing countries. Each case study provides a detailed examination of the specific characteristics and challenges of interstitial spaces, as well as their potential for positive transformation. The cases are organized into four themes: revitalization, connectivity, adaptability, and sustainability.
Implications in Urban Studies:
The implications of interstitial spaces in urban studies are profound. These spaces offer opportunities for innovation, creativity, and social interaction, contributing to the vitality and diversity of cities. Interstitial spaces can serve as hubs for cultural activities, community engagement, and economic development, fostering a sense of place and belonging. They can also provide green spaces, playgrounds, and recreational areas, improving the quality of life for urban residents. Moreover, interstitial spaces can play a crucial role in addressing urban challenges such as urban sprawl, social inequality, and environmental degradation. By promoting the reuse, repurposing, and regeneration of these spaces, cities can create more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding and describing the implications of interstitial spaces in urban studies. The analysis of these spaces is structured into four themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their characteristics and potential for positive transformation. The empirical section showcases seven diverse cases that illustrate the varied nature of interstitiality, while the conclusion chapter explores reflections on further lines of enquiry and theories of urbanization, urban sprawl, and cities. This comprehensive text is invaluable for scholars, researchers, and advanced students in urban planning, strategic spatial planning, landscape planning, urban design, architecture, and related disciplines.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032170718