ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Linear Research: Shifting Vantage Points in Urban Theory through a Planetary Transect

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 10 | THEORIES

Speakers

Dr Luis Hilti (University of Liechtenstein)Dr Matilde Igual Capdevila (Institut for Linear Research)

Description

In an era of intersecting environmental, social, and economic crises, the theory and practice of planning must evolve to address the complexities of contemporary urbanization processes. This paper introduces Linear Research as both a theoretical and methodological framework for conceptualizing and comparatively analyzing urbanization processes at a planetary scale. Building on Brenner’s (2014) concept of planetary urbanization, Linear Research challenges traditional spatial and thematic approaches by employing a cross-sectional, geometry-driven lens to reveal emergent urban dynamics and relationships.

Central to this framework is the application of a circular transect methodology: a 12,742-kilometer line traversing 22 countries, offering a unique perspective on how urbanization transforms landscapes and redefines relationships between society and nature. The theoretical framework presented in this paper is substantiated by empirical research conducted along the transect in Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein (Hilti and Igual Capdevila, 2021), Switzerland (Wetter, 2024), Germany, and the United States (Dahlman Begley et al., 2023).

Through this lens, the paper critically rethinks how planning theory can respond to planetary crises by bridging local and global dynamics, challenging traditional epistemologies, and proposing an innovative framework for understanding urbanization as a planetary phenomenon.

References

Brenner, N. (ed.) (2014) Implosions - Explosions: Towards a Study of Planetary Urbanization. Berlin: Jovis.

Dahlman Begley, M., et al. (2023) Atlas of Remoteness: Midwest USA. Minneapolis: Infinite Publication Series (Atlas of Remoteness, 3).

Hilti, L. and Igual Capdevila, M. (eds) (2021) Atlas of Remoteness: Liechtenstein. Vaduz: Infinite Publication Series (Atlas of Remoteness, 1).

Wetter, T. (2024) Atlas of Remoteness: Switzerland. Vaduz: Infinite Publication Series (Atlas of Remoteness, 2).