Wild Spaces in Urban Development: Grassroots Imaginaries in a Globalising World

This fascinating book examines how microsites of spontaneous nature can reframe our understanding of the relationship between urban development and green space.

Metropolitan cities are facing stark inequalities of green space distribution, hindering goals of sustainable development. But outside of human control, spontaneous nature grows in spaces that are neglected or are unaccounted for. Drawing on existing literature and primary research in a range of towns and cities, including Quito in Ecuador, Bengaluru and Kolkata in India, and Whitby in the United Kingdom, the book delves into the morphology, meanings, and values of those small-scale assemblages of wild growth which are typically overlooked. Discussing instead how such settings can be integrated into everyday urban life, the book offers a fresh perspective on issues around green infrastructure, heritage conservation, and environmental education, enabling cities worldwide to become more nature-positive.

A unique examination of an under-researched topic, this book will appeal to students, researchers, and professionals across landscape architecture, urban planning, urban ecology, and all related fields.

Amartya Deb is an RTPI accredited town planner and a registered architect based in India. The author has worked closely with a range of stakeholders - including NGOs, civil society, businesses, local governments, and inter-governmental organisations - on issues related to sustainability of cities.

Amartya completed his Master of Arts in Cities and Global Development as Allan & Nesta Ferguson scholar from the University of Sheffield in 2017. He also holds a Master of Planning (Regional Planning) from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, as GATE scholar; and a Bachelor of Architecture with gold medal from Bangalore University.