Urban Politics in Spatial Development: Insights from Brussels and Milan

The lecture explores the dynamic intersection of urban politics and spatial development, focusing on how the state and market actors shape the trajectory of large-scale urban projects. The speaker will delve into the power structures behind major redevelopment initiatives in Brussels and Milan, examining how new coalitions between state actors and private interests are transforming urban spaces.

By analyzing two significant cases — Tour and Taxis in Brussels and CityLife in Milan — the lecture will draw on both urban regime theory and the concept of financialisation to highlight the ways in which these projects serve as engines of growth and symbols of urban change. It will also critically examine how these large-scale urban transformations reflect broader shifts in governance, political economy, and power relationships.

For further reading:
- Conte, V., & Anselmi, G. (2022). "When Large-Scale Regeneration Becomes an Engine of Growth: How New Power Coalitions are Shaping Milan’s Governance." Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space .
- Conte, V. (2021). "Planning: A Glue for Development Coalitions? State Actors’ Agency and Power Relationships in Milan and Brussels." Partecipazione e Conflitto (PACO), 14(1 bis) .

This lecture is a part of the ConWa project at the Department of Architecture. For more information, check the link below.