Libertecture: A catalogue of libertarian spaces

Rowland Atkinson and Liam O’Farrell
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Rowland Atkinson: University of Sheffield, UK
Liam O’Farrell: University of Sheffield, UK

Urban Studies, 2024, vol. 61, issue 14, 2686-2702

Abstract: In this article we identify spaces and built environments that have the effect of placing libertarian thinking in urban contexts, using the term ‘libertecture’ to refer to the way that these architectures convey principles of personal liberty and unfettered market activity. These ideas are thus embedded in cities via the design, architecture, management and function of an emerging array of buildings, districts and infrastructures. Locating our analysis in cultural political economy, we believe that these libertectures are important because of the way that they refract and amplify divisive ideas into the social spaces and thinking of residents and citizens. Whereas neoliberal urbanism was seen as undermining socially just cities, libertarian ideas amplified by new built environments may presage more atomised, unequal and unsustainable urban conditions, potentially foreclosing the identification of more just alternatives and democratic forms. We offer a ‘catalogue’ of seven forms of libertecture: private cities, residential exits, portal spaces, fiscal lockers, pioneer exclaves, infinity spaces, and necrotectures. We conclude that the manifestation of libertarian thinking in spaces and city forms is an important object of study for urban studies as it considers challenges to inclusive and sustainable forms of urban governance.

Keywords: architecture; ideology; libertarianism; neoliberalism; urban governance; 建筑; æ„ è¯†å½¢æ€; 自由主义; 新自由主义; åŸŽå¸‚æ²»ç † (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:61:y:2024:i:14:p:2686-2702

DOI: 10.1177/00420980231181323

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