Cities in the 21st Century

Cities in the 21st Century provides an overview of contemporary urban development. Written by more than thirty major academic specialists from different countries, it provides information on and analysis of the global network of cities, changes in urban form, environmental problems, the role of technologies and knowledge, socioeconomic developments, and finally, the challenge of urban governance.

In the mid-20th century, architect and planner Josep Lluís Sert wondered if cities could survive; in the early 21st century, we see that cities have not only survived but have grown as never before. Cities today are engines of production and trade, forges of scientific and technological innovation, and crucibles of social change. Urbanization is a major driver of change in contemporary societies; it is a process that involves acute social inequalities and serious environmental problems, but also offers opportunities to move towards a future of greater prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

With case studies on thirty cities in five continents and a selection of infographics illustrating these dynamic cities, this edited volume is an essential resource for planners and students of urbanization and urban change.

Oriol Nel·lo is Professor of Urban Geography and Spatial Planning in the Department of Geography, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. His research interests refer to metropolitan dynamics, urban segregation, social movements, and urban policies. He has been Director of the Institute for Metropolitan Studies of Barcelona and Secretary for Spatial Planning in Catalonia.

Renata Mele is Head of Sustainable Development and Innovation Research Area at Enel Foundation. She has been working for both academia and industry on research and innovation. Her present research interests include sustainability in urban environments, urban metabolism of megacity, environmental impacts of energy systems, innovative technologies for power grids, and wireless sensor networks.