Displaced Urbanism

This book critically interrogates dominant narratives surrounding displacement by offering an in-depth examination of how it unfolds across diverse urban and rural settings worldwide. It addresses the intricate realities of displacement and its impact on the built environment.

Through a series of case studies spanning cities, refugee camps, and small towns, the book reveals how communities are uprooted and resettled not solely due to conflict or political unrest but also to economic shifts, environmental changes, and urban development. Challenging conventional dichotomies between voluntary and forced migration and formal and informal resettlement, this volume advocates for a nuanced understanding of displacement that captures the lived experiences of affected communities. Examining the politics of space-making in urban contexts, the book interrogates the roles of governments, private corporations, and individuals in shaping displacement dynamics. Thematic sections provide diverse perspectives on the creation, transformation, and contestation of urban spaces in the context of mobility and migration.

This volume critically analyzes the socio-spatial transformations prompted by displacement, bringing together scholars from anthropology, architecture, urban planning, and related fields. It examines the socio-spatial shifts triggered by displacement, emphasizing the role of human agency in navigating and reshaping environments under displacement conditions. This collection is essential for scholars and students in architecture, urban studies, sociology, and migration studies, as well as practitioners and professionals engaged in urban development and policymaking.

Gihan Karunaratne is an architect and academic with extensive experience teaching and lecturing in architecture, urban design, and interior design across various international contexts. Substantial research and publications on architectural and urban design theory mark his scholarly contributions. Karunaratne’s current research addresses the evolving dynamics of architecture and urban environments, focusing on cities undergoing continuous physical, economic, and social transformations. His research frequently examines the intersection of urban life and change, strongly emphasizing marginalized communities. A notable aspect of his work involves an in-depth investigation of the often-overlooked “underbelly” of cities, focusing on the complexities of informal settlements and the communities within them. His unwavering commitment to exploring the challenges and opportunities facing informal urban environments and their inhabitants, particularly in the Global South, inspires and motivates the wider academic and professional community. Through his research, Karunaratne contributes significantly to the discourse on urban transformation, spatial justice, and the lived experiences of underserved populations.