Unitary Urbanism: Designing Better Cities

The concept was formulated by the Situationist International (SI) in the 1950s. It was a response to the rapid, often sterile, reconstruction of cities following the events of the mid-20th century.

The SI produced 'psychogeographical' maps, such as the 'Naked City' map of Paris. These maps cut up existing city plans and reassembled them to highlight the emotional and social connections between different urban zones.

Unitary urbanism is the theory that urban environments should be designed as a holistic experience. It critiques the functionalist approach to city planning, which separates human activity into rigid categories.

It remains significant in architectural and urban theory because it prioritizes the subjective experience of the inhabitant over the objective requirements of industrial production and traffic flow.

The methodology involves the 'dérive' (drift) and the construction of 'situations.' By mapping the psychological impact of urban spaces, planners aim to create environments that facilitate spontaneous social interaction and creative expression.