James Patterson-Waterston revisits Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau, and finds that China's plans to bring development to the west of the country are proceeding at such pace that they threaten to marginalise the traders and the ethnic groups that bring so much life to this city.
How can we reimagine a public space divided by civil war, sectarianism and redevelopment? Rather than sophisticated urban design, Tanya Gallo argues that allowing public space to retain its indeterminacy will keep it accessible for all citizens.
Martyrs' Square was the focal point for the 2005 demonstrations that saw Syria relinquish control of Lebanon. How do its citizens now regard this polarising space, and how should placemakers respond? Tanya Gallo investigates.
While many are outraged, it is senseless for city leaders to sow further division and resentment by dismissing young looters, especially when the systemic causes have been hidden in plain sight for decades.
A number of positive civil movements that Haitian authorities could easily engage with to develop a more sustainable and inclusive future for the country.
The population of Jos is divided between the largely Muslim Hausa and three Christian ethnicities--the Burom, Anaguta and Afizere.
While the Thai army secure the final outposts of the Red Shirt protesters, residents and informal workers who relied on the businesses and trade of the Ratchaprasong district must now struggle to rebuild their livelihoods amidst the burnt-out buildings and shopping malls.
A freelance writer, researcher and consultant on contemporary urbanism, with specific research interests including public space and the public realm…
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The Global Urbanist is an online magazine reviewing urban affairs and urban development issues in cities throughout the developed and developing world.
Its readers are drawn from the urban policy and international development sectors, and include urban planners, officers in local, national or international government agencies, civil society leaders, and researchers.
