Sociology: Extended Urbanization - A Research Seminar

Abstract

Urban research is confronted today urbanization processes that unfold far beyond the realm of agglomerations and urban regions. In this research seminar, we will present some of the most recent and cutting-edge research investigations into extended urbanization and discuss some of the most exciting articles in this fascinating new field of urban research.

Objective

The goals of this course are: a) to better understand contemporary urbanization processes across the planet, b) to get insights into methods and procedures of urban research in architecture and social sciences, c) to learn to read and discuss scientific articles.

Content

Urbanization has achieved a planetary reach. Novel patterns of extended urbanization are crystallizing across diverse environments, in agricultural areas, in the space of what may appear to be wilderness, and even in the oceans. They are challenging inherited conceptions of the urban as a bounded zone and a dense settlement type. Process of extended urbanization includes the formation of complex and multi-scalar relationships between centers and peripheries, the blurring and re-articulation of the urban fabric, the production of functionalized logistics spaces, and the progressive operationalization of landscapes around the world. These observations suggest a radical rethinking of inherited concepts and cartographies of the urban, at all spatial scales, encompassing both built and unbuilt spaces. This elective course is organized as a research seminar. In each lecture, researchers will present and discuss with us their most recent results of their ongoing research in various parts of the globe, such as Delhi, Amazonia (Brazil), the North American corn belt, Malaysia, the West African Corridor, Johannesburg, Arcadia, the Atacama Desert (Chili) and the North Sea. Supplementary, we will read and discuss a selection of scientific articles on these topics.

Resources