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Vertical cities: Representations of urban verticality in 20th-century science fiction literature

Author

Listed:
  • Lucy Hewitt

    (University of Glasgow, UK)

  • Stephen Graham

    (Newcastle University, UK)

Abstract

This paper seeks to intersect two recent trends in urban research. First, it takes seriously the recognition that established traditions of research concerned with urban space have tended to privilege the horizontal extension of cities to the neglect of their vertical or volumetric extension. Second, the paper contributes to the resurgence of interest among social scientists in the validity of fiction – and especially speculative or science fiction – as a source of critical commentary and as a mode of knowledge that can exist in close reciprocity with non-fictional work. From these two starting points the paper develops a reading of the dialogue between the representations of vertical urban life that have featured in landmark works of 20th-century science fiction literature and key themes in contemporary urban analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucy Hewitt & Stephen Graham, 2015. "Vertical cities: Representations of urban verticality in 20th-century science fiction literature," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(5), pages 923-937, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:5:p:923-937
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014529345
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Lewis & Dennis Rodgers & Michael Woolcock, 2008. "The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(2), pages 198-216.
    2. Maria Kaika & Erik Swyngedouw, 2000. "Fetishizing the modern city: the phantasmagoria of urban technological networks," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(1), pages 120-138, March.
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