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Abstract
The paper discusses the impact of power structures on large-scale urban development projects. These projects are characterized by the involvement of a large number of both private and public institutions, changing actor constellations and power asymmetries; thus they are appropriate for analyzing power relations in conflicts. By analyzing a waterfront development project in Buenos Aires, our explorative case study shows the relevance of different power resources during the planning and development process. Furthermore, it reveals the strategies of different actors and the exercise of power. Due to the outstanding importance of public discourse and communication within the professional elite, the paper highlights the complementarity of power and discourse. The management model of Puerto Madero uses a particular form of private-public partnership and demonstrates the changing power asymmetries and their impact on the planning process. Our results show that, despite the complete privatization of real estate, neither private nor public institutions are able to take a dominant position. Rather, power relations are dynamic and actor constellations have to be negotiated continuously.