Understanding Cities - Audio

A short introduction to this album.

An allotment in Handsworth, Birmingham as an example of a nature space. Allotment holders talk about the ecological, sociological and community benefits of allotments.

Some problems that can arise from differing viewpoints emerging in a shared community space, and possible threats to such spaces.

Implications for social justice and the future sustainability of city nature formations, in the context of continuing urban densification.

Cities as a cultural crucible with nature spaces as an integral part. The potential for allotments as small-scale production centres. The wider implications of nature spaces and their representative values.

The effects of globalization trends on cities and the relevance and position of entrepreneurship. What do cities have to do to survive?

The impacts of making the city more competitive, and whether this detracts from cities as a purely human space. Cities as moving beyond purely economic environments.

The city as a non-corporate entity - the political possibilities inherent in city spaces. The city can be a politically strategic space, and how otherwise powerless groups can gain attention.

The relationship of order and disorder in the city, and the intensification of social relationships in cities. Is such disorder positive or negative?

Is the spacial order of cities a reaction against disorder? The suburbs as a social response to the city environment, the importance of connections in the city.

The problem of segregated spaces and exclusional development in relation to power structures in cities.

The distinction between government and governance as a response to the growth of cities. Changing concerns and structures.

The promotion of private sector governance in developing countries, and the problems that can arise with communities. Shared agendas as a possible solution.

The development of brownfields sites in terms of growth, using East London as an example,. The victims of such development and the potential cultural and social loss.

How are agendas defined, and what is lost in a shift to governance over government? The possibilities for democratic accountability and the problems of local councils.