Urban Design Under Neoliberalism: Theorising from Santiago, Chile

The book explores how neoliberalism has reshaped urban design as a discipline focused on profit-oriented objectives, neglecting its original ethos of designing good cities. It draws on Marxism-inspired scholars to analyze how neoliberalism influenced the emergence of urbanism and urban design, and provides examples of resistance and emancipation in the everyday dimensions of urbanism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the multifaceted realm of urban design, exploring its status as both a disciplinary field and a practice within the prevailing neoliberal regime. The central contention is that urban design has undergone a profound transformation driven by neoliberalism, resulting in a neglect of its original ethos, which aimed to create thriving cities. Instead, it has aligned its theory and practice solely with the profit-oriented objectives characteristic of advanced capitalist societies.

To unravel the intricate influence of neoliberalism on urbanism and urban design, the book draws upon the insights of Marxism-inspired scholars. It specifically examines how neoliberalism has shaped the emergence of urbanism and urban design, particularly in the everyday dimensions of urban life. Through an empirical analysis, archival resources, and an immersive exploration of Santiago de Chile's socio-spatial reality, the book showcases how neoliberalism compromises the ethics and practices of urban designers, ultimately instrumentalizing their theories to facilitate the neoliberal transformation of urban society as manifested in contemporary urbanisms.

This comprehensive work is of immense value to academics and students engaged in the fields of architecture, urban studies, sociology, and geography. It provides a deep understanding of the complex interplay between neoliberalism, urban design, and the urban landscape, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the 21st century. By examining the ethical dimensions of urban design and exploring resistance and emancipation within urbanism, the book offers valuable insights into the potential for transformative change in the realm of urban planning and development.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367729721