We Own the City
examines the ways in which urban dwellers--who used to be merely
"clients" of development--are taking ownership of their neighborhoods.
Bottom-up initiatives are cropping up around the world, but
institutions, government offices and developers often find themselves
uncertain how to collaborate with and empower these impassioned citizens
and communities. Offering solutions to this disconnect,
We Own the City
analyzes this international trend through five case studies, focusing
on Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Moscow, New York and Taipei, each of which
discusses different dynamics and intensities of citizens' redevelopment
processes. This volume delves into the complexities surrounding the role
of today's city-makers and the potential and actual tensions between
civil society and government, and it further provides new foundations
for inclusive urban development plans which will set the standard for
future public governments, housing authorities, architects, town
planners and real-estate developers.
