The cities and urban societies of America and Europe were subject to
dramatic shifts of power in the 19th century: the founding of new
nation-states, industrialization and the increased mobility that went
along with these developments were accompanied by tremendous social
changes. New parties strove to participate in shaping society and urban
space. New ways of using the city not only promoted the physical
expansion of the developing capitals and metropolises, but also required
a new coding of existing urban structures to meet changing requirements
and expectations about life and society.
Recoding the City explores the intentions and claims of the
protagonists who shaped the cities of the 19th century. Developed from a
series of international research initiatives, Recoding the City
examines this decisive moment in the history of the Western city and
considers its continuing influence on our lives in the present day.