Cities Learning from a Pandemic: Towards Preparedness

COVID-19 has stressed the condition of radical uncertainty that increasingly characterises our times and compels cities to learn new ways to cope with unexpected global urban challenges. The volume proposes preparedness as a key concept in urban geography, planning, and policy, inviting international scholars to discuss its pros and cons.

Firstly, it builds a critical theoretical framework around the concept of preparedness in relation to the COVID-19 effects and other interconnected crises. Then, the authors put at work and redefine preparedness, starting from worldwide surveys, research experiences, public discourses and spatial strategies analysis in Europe and, more extensively, in Italy. Finally, the closing section goes beyond the view of preparedness as an emergency tool, proposing to interpret it more broadly as a technology supporting a sustainable urban transition.

The book mainly targets academics in urban planning, policy, and geography. However, the prominence of the topic of preparedness makes the volume an essential reading not only within social sciences but further in engineering, basic sciences, and life science. In addition, the book provides directions to practitioners and civic leaders in supporting cities and regions to prepare themselves in the face of pandemics and unpredictable socio-environmental shocks.

Simonetta Armondi is an associate professor in Economic and Political Geography at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano (Italy).

Alessandro Balducci is a Full Professor at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano (Italy).

Martina Bovo is an architect and PhD Candidate at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano (Italy).

Beatrice Galimberti is a PhD Candidate in Urban Planning, Design, and Policy at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano (Italy).