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Small Cities
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. In this topical new volume, David Bell and Mark Jayne redress this balance, focusing on urban change within small cities around the world. Drawing together research from a strong international team of contributors, this four part book is the first systematic overview of small cities. A comprehensive and integrated primer with coverage of all key topics, it takes a multi-disciplinary approach to an important contemporary urban phenomenon. The book Centering on urban change as opposed to pure ethnographic description, the book’s focus on informed empirical research raises many important issues. Its blend of conceptual chapters and theoretically directed case studies provides an excellent resource for a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as providing a rich resource for academics and researchers.
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2006
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April 19, 2012
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.
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.
Displaying 1 of 1 review