ABSTRACT
Urban imaginaries are studied in disciplines spanning the humanities, social sciences, and art and design fields. In this chapter, we first outline how a number of key thinkers have contributed to the conceptualization of urban imaginaries in critical spatial theory. We then build on these insights to map the current state of urban imaginaries research, which is influenced not only by global political and ecological transformations but also to a large extent by technological and new media innovations. Finally, we reflect on the role that urban imaginaries play in shaping global-urban futures. We argue that to consider urban futures critically it is vital to examine the subjects and subjectivities of urban imagination that coalesce in the politics of urban future-ing. We conclude by providing an overview of the different sections in this book and their thematic organization and content.
