A multi-scale perspective on production of space: A critical review of urban design

This paper critically examines theories on production of space by considering how urban forms are produced through socio-spatial processes. Taking a view from ‘above’ and ‘below’, it revisits space and its production with reference to substantial discourses including urban sociology and political economy. Special emphasis is made on needs for developing a multi-scale integrated perspective that views the process of daily life, at its intersection with political economy of urban development, in which space is (re)made. The paper argues that urban design should facilitate assemblage thinking, addressing multi-layered significance and human value of space as well as a unified vision and socio-economic goals of cities.