Access to Resources

Viac o knihe

The urban environment is perpetually evolving, shaped by historical forces and solutions tailored to the aspirations of each era. Today, however, we confront unprecedented challenges such as fossil fuel depletion and climate change, significantly impacting urban landscapes. This book explores contemporary urban transformations in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Pune, representing major global economies and diverse urban contexts. It integrates insights from a multidisciplinary group of thinkers and practitioners alongside participants from the Resources programme at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. The work presents scenarios and visions for a hopeful urban future, emphasizing resource efficiency and improved urban living. Henrietta Palmer, the editor and Professor of Architecture, has led the Resources programme since 2005, focusing on cities in the global south. The book synthesizes three years of research, offering innovative strategies for addressing global challenges like resource depletion and rapid urbanization. Its core thesis posits that change and uncertainty are essential for sustainable urban development. By advocating for progressive transformations over complete redevelopment, the authors redefine development, critiquing its appropriation by markets and elites. The text is radical yet optimistic, grounded in practical experience and the resilience of informal practices, making it both scholarly and applicable.