Typological Drift: Emerging Cities in China

Chinese cities have evolved through a process of drift, where chance events terminate some features and allow other features to flourish. This has led to a different order of significance and injected urban theory and practice with fresh vigor and insights. The book reveals how three "drift triggers" - ten thousand things, figuration, and group action - have altered typological development in Chinese cities in recent decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2021
Publisher: Oro Editions

In the past four decades, Chinese cities have undergone a remarkable transformation, defying simple categorization as derivatives of Western cities or isolated from them. Instead, their characteristic complexity can be best understood through the concept of drift, a biological evolutionary process that involves the termination of certain features and the flourishing of others through chance events. This unique perspective on urban evolution offers a fresh lens through which to examine Chinese cities, revealing fascinating and instructive outcomes.

Unlike mutation, adaptation, and migration, drift of phenotypes occurs when random events terminate some features and allow others to thrive. This process is particularly relevant in the context of Chinese cities, as they diverge structurally from the common Indo-European civilizational roots of Western cultures. Viewed through the lens of drift, Chinese culture can be seen as a series of "chance events" that shape the normative processes of urban change.

The consequences of these "bottlenecks" of urban evolution are both intriguing and enlightening. When Chinese cities are studied within this framework, they acquire an entirely new order of significance, injecting urban theory and practice with renewed vigor and insights. Through a comprehensive examination of 13 case studies, over 60 original maps and drawings, and extensive photographic documentation, the book showcases how three "drift triggers" – ten thousand things, figuration, and group action – have profoundly altered typological development in Chinese cities in recent decades.

Ten thousand things refer to the proliferation of small-scale, informal businesses and activities that have emerged in Chinese cities. These businesses, often run by individuals or small groups, cater to the specific needs and preferences of local communities, offering a wide range of goods and services. The growth of ten thousand things has facilitated the emergence of diverse urban economies, with a greater emphasis on local production and consumption.

Figuration, on the other hand, refers to the use of visual and spatial elements to create distinctive urban identities. This includes architectural styles, street layouts, public spaces, and cultural landmarks. Figuration has played a crucial role in shaping the character and identity of Chinese cities, with each region and city developing its own unique visual language.

Group action, lastly, refers to the collective efforts of individuals and communities to shape urban spaces and processes. This includes community organizing, social movements, and urban activism. Group action has been particularly prominent in Chinese cities, where residents have mobilized to address issues such as pollution, housing, and urban planning.

By examining these three "drift triggers" through the lens of Chinese cities, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of urban evolution. It demonstrates how chance events and cultural differences can lead to the emergence of new urban typologies and the transformation of existing ones. The book also highlights the importance of local contexts and community participation in shaping urban change, emphasizing the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to urban planning and development.

In conclusion, Chinese cities in the past four decades have undergone a remarkable transformation, defying simple categorization as derivatives of Western cities or isolated from them. Through the concept of drift, their characteristic complexity can be best understood as a result of chance events and cultural differences. The consequences of these "bottlenecks" of urban evolution are both fascinating and instructive, offering fresh insights into urban theory and practice. By examining the role of ten thousand things, figuration, and group action, the book demonstrates how Chinese cities have acquired an entirely new order of significance, injecting urban theory and practice with renewed vigor and insights. This approach to urban analysis provides a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and offers a promising framework for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of urban change in other parts of the world.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 174 x 245 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781951541712