Research Areas

1)    Theorizing peripiheralization
Grounded in the theories of Henri Lefebvre, this research stream assert that the dialectics of center and periphery generate an ever-shifting web of urbanization processes. This philosophical and theoretical engagement with key concepts in urban studies today brings together postcolonial theory with the literature on planetary urbanization/urbanization processes. Johannesburg is a key site in this; we also investigate the formation of densities and peripheries more locally, in Vorarlberg. This is main thrust of USRG’s publications in peer-reviewed and scientific journals. In particular, Lindsay’s new collaborative project on peripheralization (currently being developed with partners at UZH/NADEL), builds on her doctoral and postdoctoral work - published in outlets like Antipode, Urban Studies, and Urban Geography - to link empirical research on urbanization processes with a more global, systemic perspective. It will show how peripheries are formed across multiple scales by following a selection of materials identified as key to the sustainable energy transition.

2)    Postcolonial approaches to urban research
Qualitative, empirical research and the importance of everyday life - from how people engage with the state to housing financialization, the commodification of the urban environment, collaborative/ communicative planning theory, urban citizenship, and household decision-making processes - is another research stream represented at the group. This is encapsulated by USRG’s teaching, for example, the explicitly postcolonial focus in introductory sociology coursework. Another example is a forthcoming book chapter, based on collaborative research about transport infrastructure as key to understanding the everyday mechanics of urban life in Johannesburg and Maputo, Mozambique. Much of this work relies on original digital tools like volunteered geographic information (VGI).

3)    Social impact
This research stream focuses on translating work to real-world results and imaging a brighter, more collaborative future. Some of this work is oriented towards producing written output and policy reports from research, but it is mostly even more concrete. Pro Bono teaching, with tangible built-project results, is one of the largest contributions of USRG to this principle, as well as projects such as the evaluation of co-production potentials for earth building in Bihar. This includes proposing radical alternatives for the use of space, and social acceptance of sustainable but non-standardized building practices like earth and timber in conjunction with companies from the private sector. Exhibitions are also a major output of this research stream.