Horizontal Metropolis: Theories and Roots, a Transcultural Tradition Statements

Abstract

The Horizontal Metropolis is explicitly proposed as a paradoxical project. Developed at the turn of the last century, this project literally crosses two research topics in the field of urbanism with the aim of, on one hand, offering a horizontal conceptualization of the metropolis and, on the other, making the different forms of existing horizontal urbanization develop towards a fully metropolitan dimension. The metropolis and horizontal urbanization represent two fundamental theoretical frameworks, both hinging on the observation of phenomena over a long period of time and dealing in large numbers: large population sizes and vast quantities of built structures, goods and material flows. Where is one to look for the roots of this contradictory union? To answer this question, I will seriously consider the world map developed by the Horizontal Metropolis work group, which assigns a geographical location to the nomenclature corresponding to the various forms of horizontal urbanization. I am basing my approach on the premise that the Horizontal Metropolis is a vision, and that, as such, is made possible by a representation of the city within a global spatial context—on a world map. It follows that the tradition to which the Horizontal Metropolis belongs is to be looked for within this particular representation of space. In my view, two other decisive factors are worth introducing here: a certain relationship with time and an idea of democracy. Space, time, and democracy are the three points on which I will elaborate this essay.