Data-Spheres of Planetary Urbanization

How can we map the urbanization of the planet? To confront this question, the Urban Theory Lab presents a series of experimental visualizations of the worldwide urban fabric.

Reversing conventional understandings of urbanization as a process of city growth, the 12 data-spheres reveal the importance of operational landscapes beyond the city (zones of agriculture, extraction, forestry and fishing), as well as planetary logistical infrastructures, that directly support urban life. By illustrating how radically divergent cartographies of an urbanized planet can be constructed on the basis of different indicators, the visualizations are intended to interrupt the authoritative, scientific “aura” that often pervades geospatial representations of our urbanizing planet. The counter-visualizations presented here invite viewers to question their own cognitive maps of contemporary urbanization, and to imagine new urban worlds that might more fully embody our collective aspirations.

This volume is based upon the Urban Theory Lab’s exhibition at the 17th International Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021, and includes critical reflections by Martín Arboleda, Danika Cooper, Kian Goh, Julie Klinger, Jason Moore, Robert Pietrusko, and Mindi Schneider. With a foreword by the exhibition curators, Hashim Sarkis, and Roi Salgueiro Barrio, and an afterword by Alexander Arroyo.With Contributions by Martín Arboleda, Danika Cooper, Kian Goh, Julie Klinger, Jason Moore, Robert Pietrusko, and Mindi Schneider. Foreword by Hashim Sarkis and Roi Salgueiro Barrio. Afterword by Alexander Arroyo.