Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation

This chapter draws from the author’s research on recent urbanisation processes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and its hinterland. It addresses two aspects that are often neglected but crucial when discussing how to adequately address urbanisation along economic development and structural transf...

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Main Author: Sascha Delz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Institut de Hautes Études Internationales et du Développement 2018-10-01
Series:Revue Internationale de Politique de Développement
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.openedition.org/poldev/2695
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author Sascha Delz
author_facet Sascha Delz
author_sort Sascha Delz
collection DOAJ
description This chapter draws from the author’s research on recent urbanisation processes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and its hinterland. It addresses two aspects that are often neglected but crucial when discussing how to adequately address urbanisation along economic development and structural transformation lines: the importance of contextual differences, and the impact of spatial formation. Along these lines, two observations are highlighted: first, that there is an obvious need for new concepts of urbanisation that are driven by, and appropriate for, African contexts; and second, that it is fundamental to reconsider the role of space for economic development and structural change. Addressing these issues, the author argues for a move away from simplistic and abstract models of transition—which have substantially influenced the outcomes of development policies, international development cooperation and spatial practices—and for the exploration of more integrative, contextually informed models of transformation. Using an example of road construction in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the chapter firstly addresses particular issues related to policies of transition, and secondly, outlines an alternative approach that could address the complex challenges of economic, social and spatial transformation in a more integrative, contextually relevant manner. Suggesting a more open, spatially conscious stance (i.e. dialogic design and planning) and a more collectively conceived planning process (i.e. collective ground), the chapter thus advocates that when dealing with the complex challenges of everyday spaces for urban dwellers, future urban development policies should rather enable a multitude of contextually adequate and integrative proposals than promote a restrained catalogue of universally applied solutions.
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spelling doaj-art-ee445f648d0e4fd7912f7aaf23147d0e2025-08-20T01:56:05ZengInstitut de Hautes Études Internationales et du DéveloppementRevue Internationale de Politique de Développement1663-93751663-93912018-10-011018821210.4000/poldev.2695Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial TransformationSascha DelzThis chapter draws from the author’s research on recent urbanisation processes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and its hinterland. It addresses two aspects that are often neglected but crucial when discussing how to adequately address urbanisation along economic development and structural transformation lines: the importance of contextual differences, and the impact of spatial formation. Along these lines, two observations are highlighted: first, that there is an obvious need for new concepts of urbanisation that are driven by, and appropriate for, African contexts; and second, that it is fundamental to reconsider the role of space for economic development and structural change. Addressing these issues, the author argues for a move away from simplistic and abstract models of transition—which have substantially influenced the outcomes of development policies, international development cooperation and spatial practices—and for the exploration of more integrative, contextually informed models of transformation. Using an example of road construction in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the chapter firstly addresses particular issues related to policies of transition, and secondly, outlines an alternative approach that could address the complex challenges of economic, social and spatial transformation in a more integrative, contextually relevant manner. Suggesting a more open, spatially conscious stance (i.e. dialogic design and planning) and a more collectively conceived planning process (i.e. collective ground), the chapter thus advocates that when dealing with the complex challenges of everyday spaces for urban dwellers, future urban development policies should rather enable a multitude of contextually adequate and integrative proposals than promote a restrained catalogue of universally applied solutions.https://journals.openedition.org/poldev/2695international cooperationurban developmenturban policies
spellingShingle Sascha Delz
Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
Revue Internationale de Politique de Développement
international cooperation
urban development
urban policies
title Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
title_full Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
title_fullStr Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
title_full_unstemmed Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
title_short Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation
title_sort towards an integrative approach to spatial transformation
topic international cooperation
urban development
urban policies
url https://journals.openedition.org/poldev/2695
work_keys_str_mv AT saschadelz towardsanintegrativeapproachtospatialtransformation