ABSTRACT
Nolmark et al. (2009) introduced the notion of the urban knowledge arena as a platform that generates new learning at the same time as it provides targeted knowledge in support of particular urban development projects. The concept is one that bridges the communicative action process and ideal of dialogue and consensus-based understanding with the instrumental objectives of maintaining the pace and expectations of urban development. As instrumental development projects proceed, requiring new and diverse groups to gather and share their knowledge, the urban knowledge arena can help maintain some focus on the important aspects of group dynamics that can hold up progress, or damage the prospects of a transformative result. The notion, based upon Nolmark et al.’s (2009, 4) study of 15 urban development projects, relates to the production of knowledge, as well as ‘how knowledge is managed, stored, disseminated and brought into practical use in urban projects and policy making.’ The concept bears a resemblance to what Holden (2008) described as sustainability knowledge codebooks of tacit and explicit knowledge about sustainability, built up via practice by cross-organizational groups of policy actors. By including consideration of urban knowledge arenas within an urban development process, we are in effect making time for attention to social integration, mutual learning and understanding, and acceptance of change, as development processes accelerate scope for conflict increases.
