Planning Theories in Douglas | 2021
Space, Place, and Institutions
Skills:
research | professional writing | team collaboration | data analysis
Tools:
Microsoft Excel | Canva Pro | U.S. Census Bureau | Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Description:
The analytical writing of these two essays deconstructs the Douglas, Chicago, Community Area, first by applying a Global Cities framework to the neighborhood, and second, by critiquing the existing institutional initiatives for its land use. Planning theory is the primary vehicle describing urban spatial form that explores the racialized political economy in Douglas. In the second essay, Black development is juxtaposed against institutionalized urban renewal, leading to a determination about community planning.
Responsibilities:
- Profiled Douglas’ existing community and identified ways governance had been unjust and targeted to analyze upcoming megaprojects for their equitable goals.
- Creatively applied Saskia Sassen’s Global City theory to a localized area by identifying resources and connections to outward culture, economics, and political power.
- Collaborated with two teammates for professional writing narratives, equal weight of ideas, and presentation parts.
Excerpt from Black Development and the Dissolution of Douglas:
“Relative to the apparent change in development praxis for Bronzeville Lakefront, the risks are identical. The City’s financial commitment means Chicagoans will be burdened by some of the public debt associated with the acquisition of sites, a time frame of fourteen years.
By then, other megaproject developments will be competing outright with Bronzeville Lakefront, namely Lincoln Yards and The 78 who have been courting investors, tenants, and consumers for just as long.”
Read my section on Racialized Political Economy and Urban Form on Issuu: