Star Architecture and the Field of Urban Design

The chapter addresses the professional and intellectual !eld of urban design, increasingly crucial in shaping the urban public space and closely intertwined with major architectural project. Firstly, it argues the connection of urban design with the contemporary urban fabric and its recent changes, giving special attention to the transformation of the !eld through different contexts, times and scales. Then, the chapter gives room to the voices and points of view of European professionals involved in projects of urban design, discussing the !eld and the profession. Viewing this emerging though not autonomous !eld of practice helps understanding recent urban transformations and the position of star architecture