URBANISTIKA.EE - TEXTS AND PROJECTS
Publications
(for online publications scroll down)
-Books
- Experience and Conflict: The Production of Urban Space by Prof. Panu Lehtovuori
When designing, planning and building urban spaces, many contradictory and conflicting actors, practices and agendas coexist. This book propounds that, at present, this process is conducted in an artificial reality, 'Concept City', characterized by a simplified and outdated conception of space.
It provides a constructive critique of the concepts, underlying the practices of planning and architecture and, in order to facilitate more dynamic, inclusive and subtle practices, it formulates a new theory about space in general and public urban space in particular.
The central notions in this theory are temporality, experiment and conflict, which are grounded on empirical observations in Helsinki, Manchester and Berlin. While the book contextualizes Lefebvre's ideas to urban planning and architecture, it is in no way limited to Lefebvrean discourse, but allows insights to new theoretical work, including that of Finnish and Swedish authors. In doing so, it suggests and develops exciting new approaches and tools leading to 'experiential urbanism'.
Reviews: 'Unfolds urgent insights concerning the nature of public space procreation processes. The legacy of Henri Lefebvre is vividly present in this refreshing approach to the political aesthetics of situations of becoming in the urban landscape.'
-Sten Gromark, Chalmers School of Architecture, Sweden
In this perceptive and erudite meditation on space, Lehtovuori effortlessly marries abstract theory to the rich textures of place. Thoughtful and stimulating, this is an outstanding piece of scholarly work.'
-Robert Beauregard, Columbia University, USA
'This book takes us beyond the vague simplicities of "creative cities" and "creative class" and into the gritty reality of urban life. It does not attempt to hide conflict behind iconic architecture and cafe bars but faces squarely the contested reality faced by any programme for urban change. It is a critical book – but one that serves citizens not simply marketeers and real estate developers.'
-Justin O'Connor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
ISBN 978-0-7546-7602-7 Published by Ashgate, available from Ashgate or Amazon
This book deals with the earliest history of the formation of Tallinn (Reval) on the historical-topographical background. Of special focus is the typomorphological structure of the town, its port, surubrs and gardens, and the formation of the street network in the town.
Dr. Prof. Rein Zobel (b. 2 April 1928) supervised the restoration of the medieval town wall of Talliin. He has studied in detail the historical topography, town building and architecture of Tallinn.
ISBN 978-9985-9841-4-7 Published by the Estonian Academy of Arts
Sold by the Faculty of Architecture.
-Conference Proceedings
- Research and Activism. 4th Urban Studies Days Conference proceedings. (5.4 MB, acrobat 7.0 or later)
- A compilation of the papers presented at the 4th Urban Studies Days Conference in April 25-26th 2007. Includes the transcription of Dipl. Pol. Volker Eick.
Online publications
-Projects by students
- Urban Analysis and Strategies for Kristiine (25 MB pdf)
- Tallinna Kristiine linnaosa linnaehituslik analüüs ja arengustrateegiad
- Future scenarios for Tallinn region's suburbs: Between people's dreams and new governance in 2035 (soon in pdf)
- Four scenarios for the Post 1991 suburbs in Tallinn's region. Project done by MA students of architecture, urban studies, urban landscapes and Polis European cultures.
- Urban Estonia scenarios (soon in pdf)
- 4 Scenarios for Paldiski: Creating stories about the future (9 MB pdf)
- Following the scenario planning method, four different futures for the city of Paldiski bring light into what strategies to use for its development.
Suspicious symbols: From banks to leisure. (1.6 MB pdf)
A participatory study on Tallinn’s reaction to symbols of fear. The project examines the development of a popular symbol of crime that has changed its meanings in the contemporary city. Seminar guided by Dr. Hille Koskela.
Lender and Tallinn house types in Kalamaja (4.2 MB pdf)
The aim of this paper is to examine more closer the Lender and Tallinn house types in Kalamaja.
MA Theses in Urban Studies, Estonian Academy of Arts
- Urban Night, by Maris Kurme (2009)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
- The City of Physically Active People: Jogging as a Method in Urban Planning, by Kadri Vaher (2008)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
- The City Scenery: Another Tools in Urban Space, by Naira Chilingarian (2008)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
- Beyond the player's manual: Experiencing the world (and the city) as a playground, by Lilia Del Río (2006)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
- Mental Pollution of the place: Case study Raadi, by Karin Bachmann (2006)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
- Estonia’s Twilight Zone: Moving towards 'Odd Tourism. Guide book - following 'off track' route', by Elo Talvoja (2006)
- Abstract (full thesis available upon request)
Other papers
- Send me a postcard: Postcards and maps of Tallinn as instructions to the city. By Johanna Kaaman
- An analysis of public space and power in Tallinn through postcards and maps from 1950s and 60s and today.
- Six Moments in Blog Balti Jaam. By Sander Tint
- A literary experience in Balti jaam by walking through blogs.
- Me-intruder. By Andra Aaloe
- A glimpse of everyday life inside one apartment in Tallinn, discussing questions of dwelling, space and flows.
- TRANSFORMATIONS - The Written and the Built. By Yoko Alender
- A collection of thoughts concerning the spatial developments in Estonia, their past and future. How the written and the built are connected through cultural values.
- Modern districts in my life. By Mari Luukas
- A personal story of the suburbs of Lasnamäe and Mustamäe through memories and history.
- An Analysis Of Four Types Of Public Spaces And Their Design. By Laura Uibopuu
- The places for case studies are chosen from Lisbon's Parque das Nações, a carefully planned new area with plenty of public space.
- City in Literature – Trubetsky's Version. By Laura Uibopuu
- An analysis of the city from the point of view of punk and anarchism in Estonia, based mainly on the books by Tõnu Trubetsky.
- The New Urban Culture. By Lilia Del Rio
- An introduction on the transition into post-fordism and the rise of the "new middle class".
If you would like to publish your texts here, please contact us at urbanistika@urbanistika.ee