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Comparing cities: a Barcelona Model?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 June 2007

JAMES AMELANG
JAMES AMELANG
Affiliation:
Departmento de Historia Moderna, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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Abstract

Despite widespread interest in the ‘Barcelona Model’ of urban planning and architecture as of late, little is known about the city's historical development. This article suggests as a remedy more concerted efforts in comparative history. Comparison with other cities reveals three anomalies: the condition of ex-capitality; a distinctive focus on civil society as the leading dynamic in the city's evolution; and a self-image as a classic ‘second city’, that is, an economic as opposed to political centre. The essay closes with suggestions for future research, and stresses the need for a specifically cultural approach to the urban past.

Type
Research Article
Information
Urban History , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , August 2007 , pp. 173 - 189
Copyright
© 2007 Cambridge University Press

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