Critical Spatial Studies Research Area

For whom do we build cities? How can we understand the mechanisms by which people are included or excluded in the city? How do urban planning and architectural and urban design contribute towards processes of spatial injustice? And how can they also contribute towards change?

Introduction

The ambition of this research area is to work towards more just and equal societies through the study of contemporary and historical socio-spatial practices. Whatever their scale, shape, or relational geography, the practices we study are approached through critical methods and theories. Research draws from the humanities and social sciences, from architecture and planning, from theory and history, and has a strong focus on societal practices. To provide critical perspectives on space, the research in this area aims to promote change and transformation at different levels including society at large, politics and policy making, academic fields of inquiry, and professional practice. Questions at the heart of Critical Spatial Studies include: For whom do we build cities? How can we understand the mechanisms by which people are included or excluded in the city? How do urban planning and architectural and urban design contribute towards processes of spatial injustice? And how can they also contribute towards change?

Critical Spatial Studies consists of two fields:

Critical Urban Studies

In Critical Urban Studies the focus is directed towards urban inequalities, specifically how socio-spatial relations shape urban geographies with privileges for some and misrecognition for others. Research with this focus critically analyses the causes for changing urban geographies, how they are embedded in societal and ideological discourses, and what their socio-spatial consequences are. Research draws from post-structuralist, feminist, political, decolonial and urban theory, and typically deals with urban geographies, such as the consequences of growing socio-economic inequalities, segregation, housing insecurity and homelessness, ecological inequalities, migration, and racial capitalism.

Critical Architectural Studies

Critical Architectural Studies examines architecture and urbanism in relation to the ideas and forces that shape them. Engaging with historical and theoretical perspectives, it addresses the question of quality and authenticity as fundamental to sustainable building. Recognizing architecture’s lasting impact on society, it critiques superficial or short-sighted practices that fail to engage with cultural values. One aim is to discuss broader ethical and societal implications of different ways of thinking about architecture, to fortify architectural approaches. Another aim is to provide inspiration for the practice – both private and public – through contemporary and historic examples.