Usually in the series of “Humankind Glossary” we give precise definitions to the words we use when navigating through projects and cities but today we wanted to speak about a layered concept that does not have a precise definition – the word "smooth" when applied to cities or urban environments. What is a smooth city? What do we mean by this word? Smooth can be referred to two very different dynamics where the scenario is not just the city but also the citizens who are actors within it. Before reading Rene Boer’s book “Smooth City - Against Urban Perfection Towards Collective Alternatives” we had one idea of what a smooth city could be. Sometimes we've seen the word “smooth” referred to a city, a street or a neighbourhood to convey that those spaces are transformative and fluid - a city that changes temporally its features based on the needs of the citizens. We can do an imaginative exercise for this concept and think about a day in the life of a plaza: in the morning we have a local market, in the afternoon some kids play together, later we can find a group of people doing sport and, maybe, during the night it transforms into the perfect hotspot for teens to hang out. On the opposite, though, the word smooth can also be used to refer to the concrete phenomenon of "washed spaces" where urban life was transformed into a seamless experience - everything is comforting and standardised, there is no space for experimentation, for appropriation out of the box. So, what do you think about when you hear the word “smooth” referring to a city?
humankind’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
What does it mean to inhabit an urban environment? In a city like New York, millions of people live in and amongst a dense network of places, spaces, infrastructure, and - of course - other people. Each one of these people is unique, with different interests, jobs, socio-economic status, taste in food, etc. Inevitably, each person's individuality can be represented by tracking or describing their own “Urban Environment”. As we discover new places, spaces, or people that interest us - we slowly adventure out - pushing past previous limits on when and where we would allow ourselves to go. I argue that at the scale of an individual - true and objective maps of urban areas are far too detailed. In today's culture and society, at least in my own experience of inhabiting Brooklyn, we most often travel from our current location to a predetermined destination. Island hopping if you will. Whether it be a bus, car, train, or bike - modern vehicles of transportation allow us to get from place to place without observing or retaining any of the “in-between”. The result of this becomes a fragmented city - connected by our usual routes. Continuous yet incomplete. Incompleteness, despite its typical negative or uncomfortable connotation, in this context becomes a safeguard. Unlike a computer that can devote all its thinking power to building and representing a complete map, we as humans retain the most important places and spaces in our mental maps. Fragments are formed from time spent, memories made, or feelings felt. Precision and absolute accuracy are far less important than feeling or intuition. To not know where exactly something is objectively (we have our phones for that), but to be there and know your own history there, to smell a familiar smell, or recall a shared laugh, that is to know a place. This is an urban environment, fragmented - but connected, abstract - yet so real.
-
-
Project Manager chez Research Executive Agency - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks
does the city of the future look like the city of the past? Have a look at this interesting article: https://lnkd.in/e4NTT_Si
-
Time to challenge the 15-minute city: Seven pitfalls for sustainability, equity, livability, and spatial analysis It is time to scrutinize the 15-minute city. Through a sustainability, equity, and livability lens, I examine pitfalls of the 15-minute city in recent literature, both from a theoretical and spatial analytical perspective. Subsequently, I propose alternative theoretical and methodological directions that address current pitfalls. The aim is not to discard or “retire” the concept, but to critically assess it, shed light on challenges, and bring forward a new debate on how to reorient the 15-minute city within urban and transport planning and policy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dQX4Gr_m
-
I'm thrilled to announce that my article, "Book Review: The New Urban Crisis by Richard Florida," has been published on Urban Design Lab! 🎉 In this review, I delve into Florida's critical perspectives on urban inequality, economic shifts, and the challenges facing contemporary cities, sparking reflections on how we can create more inclusive urban futures. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/d2Yp4gEY #UrbanDesign #UrbanPlanning #UrbanInequality #RichardFlorida #BookReview #CityPlanning #TheNewUrbanCrisis
-
In the UK, the “15-minute city” has become a taboo – a playground for conspiracy paranoia driven by people’s belief that the concept is a form of another “lockdown” – so what is the point of a 15-minute city? Created by Carlos Moreno, a professor from University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne. Moreno claims the current design to modern cities is based around outdated “masculine desires” and has led to a segmented unequal city with different districts. The point of a “15-minute city” is to promote equality by creating a mixture of social, affordable, and luxury housing, to allow integration of social strata. A place where schools are close to both workplace and home, where cultural venues, parks and shops are close by – a place for people to reclaim their “useful time” It’s had its backlash in the UK, but do we not already have “15-minute” neighbourhoods within London – Notting Hill? Clapham? Dare I say it… Canary Wharf? Moreno’s book “The 15-Minute City” is released next month https://lnkd.in/eiWcZjRF
-
Urban Dystopias: Cities That Exclude Daniela LADIANA DOI: 10.2495/SDP-V12-N4-619-627 The theme of social exclusion is of pressing urgency to contemporary societies as the dynamics of the global market determine rapid and constant variations in local economic, demographic and, consequently, social factors: in a global system governed by the exclusive logic of profit, objectives of competitiveness and productivity appear to have substantially supplanted the growth and welfare of populations. These processes directly involve urban transformation: the configuration of the city, its spaces and its facilities appear to be increasingly less inspired by values of justice and social equity; it follows that possible categories of users, in relation to gender, age, social status and ethnic background, may face discrimination in relation to the free and full use of the city's buildings and spaces. By delineating limits and borders - whether material or symbolic - the city constitutes a powerful vehicle of social exclusion. The configuration of the spaces and objects of the city, once the expression of local culture and identity and the fulfilment of historically referenced poetics, languages and technologies, is no neutral act when it involves the full participation of the city's inhabitants. Other than pursuing aesthetic and functional objectives it also determines the quality of the relationships that develop between urban space and its users, operating in terms of selectivity. The essay attempts to reflect on the devices at work in the contemporary city as a tool of social exclusion. The assumption of the concept of public space as a common good presents itself as an unavoidable passage towards the construction of an urban reality home for the harmonious existence between all of its components, of an inclusive city, a city for everyone. https://lnkd.in/dh8JAKWc
-
-
When we tell a city's story of change, there is often a lot of emphasis on the actions of the mayor and city government. But that isn't the full story. In developing our plan to study urban change, we examined the literature about how cities change and how to study the narratives and perspectives of wider actors, outside of city hall. We wrote up our process of collaborative study design, now published on Wellcome Open. This paper would be useful for people who are planning, doing or funding research about urban change, storytelling, health, equity and sustainability. Particularly for research that is multi-country, transdisciplinary and aiming to be decolonial. #ChangeStories https://lnkd.in/dxJT467Z Co-authored by: María José Álvarez Rivadulla, Elis Borde, Waleska Caiaffa, Vafa Dianati, Geraint Ellis, Friederike Fleischer, Adriana Hurtado Tarazona, Olga L Sarmiento, Agustina Martire, Sergio Montero, Gemma Moore, Rebecca Morley, Aarathi Prasad
-
-
The Power of Observation ++ [improving communities] William H. Whyte, an influential American urbanist and sociologist, emphasized the significance of observation in urban design, advocating for a bottom-up approach to creating public spaces that genuinely reflect the needs and behaviors of the community. Central to his philosophy is the idea that effective public spaces should function as gathering points, fostering social interactions and connections among diverse groups of people. Whyte introduced the concept of "triangulation," which refers to the strategic placement of elements—such as food vendors, seating, or art—that draw individuals together for various reasons, enhancing the vibrancy and usability of urban environments. By prioritizing the dynamics of human behavior and the organic use of space, Whyte’s principles offer a framework for city improvement.
-
-
Empowering Change: City Shapers’ Mission to Transform Urban Landscapes Crossing Borders, Bridging Innovation: Cultivating International Ecosystem Builders. https://lnkd.in/gQmSfQcY Date: May 13th Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Venue: Mid Tower Grand, Tokyo Early Bird Discount Alert! Save ￥1,000 before May 10th! At City Shapers, we are driven by a profound commitment to urban improvement through collective effort. Our mission is to empower every individual involved in city development—from architects to policymakers—with the essential tools and knowledge to make a significant positive impact in their communities. What We Do: Innovative Tools: We provide cutting-edge tools that help professionals in urban development execute their projects with precision and creativity. Educational Programs: Our comprehensive educational initiatives equip city shapers with the latest insights and techniques in urban planning and sustainability. Collaborative Networks: We foster strong networks that encourage collaboration among diverse professionals, ensuring that ideas and resources are shared widely for maximum impact. City Shapers believes that better cities don't just happen—they are built through the hard work and dedication of individuals who are committed to making a difference. Join us in our mission to not only envision but create the cities of tomorrow. Are you ready to be a part of shaping the future of urban living? https://lnkd.in/gQmSfQcY #CityShapers #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableCities
-
