The Grand Projet Book

Urban Megaprojects — here referred to as Grands Projets — are increasing in number all over the world. They have become major drivers for urban intensification and manifestations of the larger economic and political agenda of their city. As such, Grands Projets offer a productive moment to investigate current urban trends in a globally connected form of concentrated urbanisation.

This book looks into the adaptive and inclusive capacities that urban megaprojects can offer to shape the future of our cities. Featuring eight unique case studies: Marunouchi Tokyo, Lujiazui Shanghai, West Kowloon Hong Kong, Marina Bay Area Singapore, HafenCity Hamburg, La Défense Paris, 22@ Barcelona and King’s Cross London, the book provides a comprehensive reading of selected urban megaprojects in Asia and Europe, and a comparative view of key aspects regarding their role in contemporary urban developments.

The text draws from the perspective of a broad range of stakeholders involved in the making of Grands Projets. With a focus on the spatial practices, our findings aim to not only broaden the scholarship of urban megaprojects but also to provide applicable insights for planners, managers, policymakers and other urban actors.