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The directors of urban transformation: The case of Oslo

Author

Listed:
  • Bengt Andersen

    (60499Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway)

  • Hannah Eline Ander

    (Independent Scholar, Norway)

  • Joar Skrede

Abstract

We investigate the urban transformation strategies of major developers and other key actors in the context of neoliberalism and its influence on politics, including urban development governance. Drawing primarily on interviews with corporate developers operating in the downtown areas of Oslo, Norway, we show how these influential actors with little formal political responsibility not only shape the physical structures but also significantly influence the social, economic and cultural fabric of the city. While they do not have a coordinated strategy, private developers do aim to transform urban areas to fit the preferences of the middle and upper classes. However, the situation is not as negative and predetermined as many critiques of gentrification processes assume. Besides demonstrating some positive outcomes of local transformation processes, our study shows that a fully gentrified downtown, along with the social exclusion mechanisms, has not been implemented yet.

Suggested Citation

  • Bengt Andersen & Hannah Eline Ander & Joar Skrede, 2020. "The directors of urban transformation: The case of Oslo," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 35(7), pages 695-713, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:35:y:2020:i:7:p:695-713
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094220988714
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Terence Fell & Johanna Mattsson, 2021. "The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Housing as a Potential Contributor to Sustainable Cities and Communities: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-25, July.

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