Monumentality in Urban Design: The Case of China

Abstract

An American urban geographer and noted specialist on China comments on the preceding review essay on monumentality in the urban design in world cities (Ford, 2008). Focusing on monumentality in China, the author surveys a number of monumental urban projects in Beijing (particularly in relation to Olympic construction), Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Kunming. In the context of urban theory, he discusses the massive presence of the Chinese state in everyday urban life. Noting the explosive urban growth and megaproject-related construction, the author alludes to recent evidence that the clearing of city neighborhoods and mass displacement of residents have prompted widespread opposition and resistance at the local level. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O18, R14, R53. 9 figures, 42 references.

Keywords:

• China
• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Shenzhen
• Chongqing
• Guangzhou
• Kunming
• Hong Kong
• Olympic Games
• global cities
• megaprojects
• neoliberal economics
• relocation of residents