Skip to main content
European Commission logo
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS
CORDIS Web 30th anniversary CORDIS Web 30th anniversary

History of European Urbanism in the 20th Century

Project description

A closer look at Europe’s urban planning legacy

Throughout the 20th century, the realm of urban planning stood as a remarkable force, exerting immense power in shaping the trajectory of social development, particularly within the European landscape. With aspirations of fostering welfare states and cultivating balanced settlements, urban planning emerged as a commanding tool. While it contributed to the emergence of welfare states, it also led to the suppression of marginalised groups and the destruction of valuable resources. However, existing studies have predominantly adopted national perspectives, lacking a comprehensive overview and methodological consistency. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the UrbanHist project aims to fill this gap by collaboratively developing a European understanding of urban planning history, fostering critical debates, and promoting a reflective European identity.

Objective

Throughout the 20th century, urban planning constituted itself as an important tool to spatially direct social developments. This applies to Europe more so than to any other continent. Urban planning contributed significantly to the emergence of the welfare state, strong economies and a relatively balanced settlement structure. However, urban planning also caused the suppression and destruction of some population groups, alongside natural and cultural resources. With the collapse of socialism in 1990, and the increasing importance of the EU, the 20th century ended with a multi-layered convergence in regard to the implementation of urban planning as a regulative and shaping instrument.
Most studies on 20th century urban planning adopt a national perspective, while studies aiming to provide an overview focus on several core countries. Furthermore, methodological approaches are very heterogeneous. UrbanHist’s aim is to develop and sustainably promote a joint understanding of the history of urban planning in the 20th century from a European perspective.
Complementing contributions of academic and non-academic partners will systematically increase the scientific level of the project. New knowledge, critical debates and dissemination will be strengthened. A reflective European identity will be promoted. UrbanHist intends to facilitate the breakthrough of the European planning history debate, which is currently in its initial phase of development.
The four applying beneficiaries have different areas of expertise with regard to international planning history as well as international cooperation. They can look back on a long history of collaboration. The promotion of foreign doctoral students is part of daily university routine. In regard to the promotion and internationalisation of doctoral students, the four universities have already achieved a high standard.

Coordinator

BAUHAUS-UNIVERSITAET WEIMAR
Net EU contribution
€ 996 865,92
Address
GESCHWISTER SCHOLL STRASSE 8
99423 Weimar
Germany

See on map

Region
Thüringen Thüringen Weimar, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 996 865,92

Participants (3)

Partners (11)