ABSTRACT
The apotheosis of the "engineering era" -the process of modernizing Western cities-ran between the late 19th century through to the first three quarters of the 20th century. modernity's Promethean project culminated during this period with large-scale infrastructure projects taming nature and making it work for the benefit of capitalist expansion. And water was central to it: rivers were harnessed from miles away to feed the growing urban population or dammed to provide electrical power for industry, while mountains were pierced to provide transport routes for people and trade. These projects heralded a new relationship between human beings and nature, between nature and the city. Instead of being fearful and threatening, nature became tame and serviceable, a prerequisite for development. In turn, the city was reconceptualized as a realm outside the reach of nature's processes.
