The relationship between culture and urbanism has been the focus of much discussion and debate in recent years. While globalisation tends towards a homogeneity, successful 'global cities' have a strong individual - and particularly cultural - identity. The economic value of the culture of cities lies not only in the arts taking place there but also in the city’s fabric, its architecture, and in its cultural heritage. This volume brings together a team of leading specialists to examine the policies of image and city marketing which have developed over the past 15 years and whether these are a continuity of earlier strategies. Featuring case studies which illustrate diverse perspectives on linking culture, urbanism and history, the book reviews heritage and planning culture, looking at the experience of urbanism in the 'Old Historic City'. The book also assesses the increasingly important issue of urban images and their influence on planning strategies.
Biography
Professor Javier Monclus and Professor Manuel Guardia are both at the Valles School of Architecture, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
’After reading this wide-ranging book, culture is no longer an obscure topic in planning. Rich both theoretically and in empirical material, it will provide a profound understanding of its social meanings and the necessary tacit knowledge.’ Dion Kooijman, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands ’Development of the cultural sector is now a vital part of the urban agenda. This impressively international volume draws together the experience of cities from three continents to explore questions of image, heritage, spectacle and regeneration. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the functioning and rivalries of the world’s major cities.’ Professor John R. Gold, Oxford Brookes University, UK '... an engaging, context-sensitive and often-critical volume on issues of cultural planning.' Urban Studies '...the book sheds new light and offers different perspectives on the interaction between culture and urbanism since the end of the nineteenth century and makes it easier to understand some of the limits and risks associated with the new planning ideas and the new forms of urban management. Therefore, scholars and practitioners of urbanism and planning and related disciplines interested in cultural urbanism can certainly benefit from the different cases and perspectives examined in this book.' Planning Perspectives
