Creating urbanism – a paradox?
Creating urbanism is an increasingly frequent ambition in planning, reflecting a desire for vibrant city life, pulsating around the clock. At the same time, planning is still heavily influenced by modernist ideals—ideals inherited from previous generations that have become as natural as the air we breathe. For example, detailed planning is still regarded as “the” solution for resolving what is regarded as chaotic conditions in the city: planning is the tool for reaching the goal of urbanity. However, according to Jane Jacobs, modernist planning has a detrimental effect on city life, since it hampers its foundation for growth, which is natural spontaneous development. In light of Jacob’s reasoning, the will to create urbanism through planning appears as a paradox—it is impossible to create something that grows by itself. The Stockholm districts of Hammarby Sjöstad and Södra Station are two projects where this paradox is apparent.