Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation

This chapter draws from the author’s research on recent urbanisation processes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and its hinterland. It addresses two aspects that are often neglected but crucial when discussing how to adequately address urbanisation along economic development and structural transformation lines: the importance of contextual differences, and the impact of spatial formation. Along these lines, two observations are highlighted: first, that there is an obvious need for new concepts of urbanisation that are driven by, and appropriate for, African contexts; and second, that it is fundamental to reconsider the role of space for economic development and structural change. Addressing these issues, the author argues for a move away from simplistic and abstract models of transition—which have substantially influenced the outcomes of development policies, international development cooperation and spatial practices—and for the exploration of more integrative, contextually informed models of transformation. Using an example of road construction in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the chapter firstly addresses particular issues related to policies of transition, and secondly, outlines an alternative approach that could address the complex challenges of economic, social and spatial transformation in a more integrative, contextually relevant manner. Suggesting a more open, spatially conscious stance (i.e. dialogic design and planning) and a more collectively conceived planning process (i.e. collective ground), the chapter thus advocates that when dealing with the complex challenges of everyday spaces for urban dwellers, future urban development policies should rather enable a multitude of contextually adequate and integrative proposals than promote a restrained catalogue of universally applied solutions

Towards an Integrative Approach to Spatial Transformation

This chapter draws from the author’s research on recent urbanisation processes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and its hinterland. It addresses two aspects that are often neglected but crucial when discussing how to adequately address urbanisation along economic development and structural transformation lines: the importance of contextual differences, and the impact of spatial formation. Along these lines, two observations are highlighted: first, that there is an obvious need for new concepts of urbanisation that are driven by, and appropriate for, African contexts; and second, that it is fundamental to reconsider the role of space for economic development and structural change. Addressing these issues, the author argues for a move away from simplistic and abstract models of transition—which have substantially influenced the outcomes of development policies, international development cooperation and spatial practices—and for the exploration of more integrative, contextually informed models of transformation. Using an example of road construction in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the chapter firstly addresses particular issues related to policies of transition, and secondly, outlines an alternative approach that could address the complex challenges of economic, social and spatial transformation in a more integrative, contextually relevant manner. Suggesting a more open, spatially conscious stance (i.e. dialogic design and planning) and a more collectively conceived planning process (i.e. collective ground), the chapter thus advocates that when dealing with the complex challenges of everyday spaces for urban dwellers, future urban development policies should rather enable a multitude of contextually adequate and integrative proposals than promote a restrained catalogue of universally applied solutions.Cet article s’appuie sur une recherche portant sur les processus d’urbanisation récents dans la capitale éthiopienne d’Addis-Abeba et son arrière-pays. Il aborde deux aspects souvent négligés et pourtant essentiels lorsqu’on cherche à répondre à la question d’une mise en œuvre adéquate de l’urbanisation en suivant un plan de développement économique et de transformation structurelle : l’importance des différences contextuelles et les effets de la formation des espaces. On observe d’une part qu’il y a un réel besoin de renouvellement des concepts d’urbanisation qui sont portés par et qui sont appropriés pour les cas africains ; ensuite, qu’il est essentiel de reconsidérer le rôle du territoire dans le développement économique et le changement structurel. L’article propose de s’éloigner des modèles de transition simplistes et abstraits – qui ont influencé de manière substantielle les résultats des politiques de développement, de la coopération internationale pour le développement et les pratiques en matière spatiale – en faveur de l’exploration de modèles de transformation qui soient plus intégrés et adaptés au contexte local. En utilisant l’exemple de la construction de routes à Addis-Abeba, la capitale éthiopienne, cet article aborde dans un premier temps des questions spécifiques liées aux politiques de transition, pour ensuite présenter une autre approche qui pourrait relever les défis complexes de la transformation économique, sociale et spatiale d’une manière plus intégrée et adaptée. Proposant une approche plus ouverte et consciente de l’espace (un dialogue entre conception et planification urbaines) et un processus de planification qui s’appuie sur des fondements collectifs, ce texte préconise que, face aux défis complexes des espaces quotidiens des citadins, les politiques de développement urbain à venir devraient mettre en œuvre une multitude de propositions contextuellement adéquates et intégrées au lieu de promouvoir un catalogue limité de solutions appliquées de façon universelle

African Cities and the Development Conundrum

The 10th thematic issue of International Development Policy presents a collection of articles exploring some of the complex development challenges associated with Africa's recent but extremely rapid pace of urbanisation that also challenges still predominant but misleading images of Africa as a rural continent. Analysing urban settings through the diverse experiences and perspectives of inhabitants and stakeholders in cities across the continent, the authors consider the evolution of international development policy responses amidst the unique historical, social, economic and political contexts of Africa's urban development. Editors: Carole Ammann and Till Förster Paperback reference: Ammann, C. and T. Förster (Eds.) (2018) African Cities and the Development Conundrum, International Development Policy Series, No.10 (Geneva, Boston: Graduate Institute Publications, Brill-Nijhoff). Order your copy on Brill-Nijhoff’s website Watch the videos presenting the book and authors interviews