Urbanisation in a global perspective
The speaker underlined that urban development had never been uniform – it had occurred at different rates in different parts of the world and for different reasons. The greatest urbanisation surge occurred with the Industrial Revolution, when the need for professional spatial planning arose. Today, the main burden of urban population growth is shifting towards Asian and African countries, which means that planning challenges and solutions must be viewed globally, not just in Europe or the US.
Four functions of planning
From an economic perspective, urban planning serves four fundamental roles.
- First, it establishes a legal and institutional framework for the rational use of space.
- Second, it provides public goods – from transportation infrastructure to common spaces that serve all residents.
- Third, it helps mitigate negative externalities and counteract the monopolisation of space by narrow interest groups.
- Fourth, it is a tool for coordination and mediation – it serves to align the interests of various social, economic and political actors.
The city life cycle and its consequences
Cities go through successive stages of development: from a phase of intensive urbanisation, through suburbanisation, to – in some cases – de-urbanisation, or the depopulation of city centres. This changes both population density and infrastructure maintenance costs. Understanding these cycles is crucial for planning – it allows us to better anticipate future challenges and how to shape spaces to maintain their functionality and attractiveness.
The voice of residents and the history of planning
The history of urban planning is also a history of disputes over who should decide on the shape of cities. Initially, technical approaches dominated, with little regard for the needs of local communities. Only critical voices, such as Jane Jacobs, drew attention to the need to incorporate the perspectives of residents and the consequences of displacement and demolition. This lesson remains relevant today: a city is not merely a space of buildings and streets, but also a network of social relations.
Planning and climate challenges
Cities are the source of most carbon dioxide emissions, and they are also the ones most affected by the climate crisis – from the urban heat island phenomenon to water shortages and flash floods. Therefore, planning today must encompass strategies for both mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Resilient, sustainable cities are becoming a prerequisite for safety and quality of life in the 21st century.
Carl Abbott's book as a guide
The Polish edition of "City Planning" is a 100-page publication that organises urban planning knowledge in an accessible way. Abbott discusses topics such as suburbanisation, urban revitalisation, the operation of metropolises, the place of nature in cities, and the consequences of natural disasters. The narrative is presented in historical order, from the beginnings of city planning to contemporary challenges. This allows the reader to better understand not only the decisions made in the past but also the challenges facing us today.
The book can be purchased on the website of the Lodz University Press.
Mariusz Sokołowicz is an Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, an urban planner-economist and an urban social activist, born in Lodz. He studies the economies of cities and regions and ways to improve their efficiency. He is an author and editor of over 80 publications in the field of urban economics, member of numerous scientific associations, including the Regional Studies Association, the European Regional Science Association, and the Society of Polish Urban Planners. He co-authored the Piotrkowska Street Development Strategy for 2009–2020 and was responsible for its revitalisation from 2009–2013. He has experience in real estate management and consulting, and expands his knowledge during international internships in Central and Western Europe. He is passionate about motorcycle travel, amateur theatre and literature.
Edit: Małgorzata Jasińska and Michał Gruda (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)
