Beyond measure: Shaping urban futures with the authenticity of a place

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master_Sawada_Saki_2023.pdf (40.67 MB)

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
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Date

2023

Department

ark

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability

Language

en

Pages

109 + 7

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Abstract

This research investigates the critical role of 'authenticity of a place' in urban development, a concept emphasized by urban sociologist Sharon Zukin (2009) for its cultural and social value. Amidst urbanization trends prioritizing economic growth, the study explores methods for assessing and integrating authenticity into urban planning, addressing its often-overlooked significance in favour of economic metrics. Utilizing the Kivimies district in Otaniemi, Finland, as a case study, the research combines surveys with Otakallio residents and interviews with Espoo City Planning Department architects to understand the current state of citizen participation and authenticity's role in urban planning. The study probes three primary research questions: the elements urban system designers should consider for authenticity in building urban resilience, methods to intervene in current urban planning for authenticity-focused development, and the extent to which Otakallio residents' perception of authenticity influences planning. The findings underscore the limitations of liveability metrics and highlight the need for an evaluative axis that respects the unique social and cultural roots of places. In conclusion, the research proposes solutions for integrating authenticity into urban planning decision-making, fostering societal resilience and maintaining cultural and ecological values amidst global urbanization trends.

Description

Supervisor

Krokfors, Karin

Thesis advisor

Vuorinen, Olli

Keywords

urban resilience, social resilience, smart city, liveability, authenticity, urban planning, citizen participation

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202401281772

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[master] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS