Small Cities: Urban Experience Beyond the Metropolis

by David J. Bell

Until now, much research in the field of urban planning and change has focused on the economic, political, social, cultural and spatial transformations of global cities and larger metropolitan areas - this topical new volume seeks to redress this balance, focusing on urban change within small cities around the world.

Drawing together research from a strong international team of contributors this book is structured in four distinct parts. The first part discusses how political and economic decision making comes together in the fabric of particular cities. Part two elaborates on this focus and looks in more detail at how such strategies of urban economic development seek to secure competitive advantage for cities. Part three addresses how cultural infrastructure and planning are almost ubiquitously being utilized in the regeneration of small cities. The fourth and final part addresses the mix of identities, lifestyles and ways in which different groups interact in small cities.

With case studies from around the world, focusing principally on urban change rather than pure ethnographic description, there is a distinct focus on informed empirical research, which raises important conceptual issues surrounding urban change.

Paperback

First published January 10, 2006

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed David Bell's and Mark Jayne's research and writing throughout my career. This fine edited collection is able to 'hold together,' even while recognizing the disparate nature of the case studies. This unity is of great tribute to the editors who have been able to craft an argument about small cities and 'development,' in the many connotations of this word.

Debates are presented about the multiple modes and forms of small cities. There is an outstanding study of small city tourism in Singapore by T.C. Chang. But the most fascination section is Part Two, investigating "The Urban hierrachy and competitive advantage." Most impressively explored is the consequence of competition between cities for talent and businesses, and the impact of this hierarchy on small cities. There is also a productive argument throughout the book that what works for medium-sized cities may not be functional in small cities. Indeed the lure of development and 'creative cities' - as fostered by Richard Florida - may not only waste time and money, but destroy the 'lifestyle advantages' of smaller cities.

The last section - "Identity,lifestyle and forms of sociability" - is probably the weakest, caused by the lack of theorization of both 'lifestyle' and 'community.' Also, an absence in this entire book - which may have corrected the problem in this last section - is a discussion of the small cities based around and through agriculture. Hamilton in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Napa in the United States and Margaret River/Pemberton in Australia are clear examples. In these circumstances the 'lifestyle factors' mesh with questions of sustainability, walkability and the slow food 'movement.' This area may be worthwhile for further discussion.

A fine book that continues the fascinating and provocative research of both David Belland Mark Jayne. A productive and important addition to the city imaging literature.