How Planetary Urbanization entered the Urban Studies debate: Historical traditions from 1950 until today

Abstract

In this literature review, Immacolata Lamacchia analyses the traditions that, since the second half of the twentieth century, have allowed the development of the debate on the urban through Planetary Urbanization in the context of Urban Studies. The analysis takes into consideration the Megalopolis, the Ecumenopolis and the Postmetropolis, studying their theoretical and epistemological influences. Outlining the main aspects of each historical tradition, she describes their limits and potential, with the aim of understanding through which processes some of these aspects converge today in Planetary Urbanization.