Spontaneous Cities

A rapid and unprecedented urbanization occurred in Britain between 1740 and 1850, driven by industrial growth and population increase. Contrary to expectations of 'unchecked growth,' this period saw the spontaneous development of cities without extensive top-down planning, resulting in successful housing provision and architectural achievements like those in Bath, London, and Edinburgh. The study highlights how voluntary urbanization processes can effectively meet demands, offering insights into historical and contemporary urban development dynamics.

Gordon, P. (2012). Spontaneous Cities. The Spatial Market Process, 181–209. https://doi.org/10.1108/s1529-2134(2012)0000016010