Mapping possibility: finding purpose and hope in community planning

In: Routledge equity, justice and the sustainable city

Abstract

"Mapping Possibility traces the intellectual, professional and emotional life of Leonie Sandercock. In an impressive career spanning nearly half a century as an educator, researcher, artist, and practitioner, Sandercock is one of the leading figures in community planning and has dedicated her life to pursuing social, cultural and environmental justice through her work. In this book, Leonie Sandercock reflects on her past writings and films, which played an important role in redefining the field in more progressive directions, both in theory and practice. It includes previously published essays in conjunction with insightful commentaries prefacing each section and four new essays, two discussing Sandercock's most recent work on a feature film project with Indigenous partners. The book questions whether there is a way forward for the city and community building professions and draws a map of hope for emerging planners dedicated to equity, justice and sustainability. Innovative, visionary and audacious, Leonie Sandercock's community-based scholarship and practice in the fields of urban planning and community development have engaged some of the most intractable issues of our time - inequality, discrimination, and racism. Through award-winning books and films, she has influenced the planning field to become more culturally fluent, addressing diversity and difference through structural change. This is a book to inspire the next generation of community planners, as well as current practitioners and students in planning, cultural studies, urban studies, architecture and community development"--