Urban trialogues

Urban Trialogues: visions projects_co-productions, Localising Agenda 21 is a critical reflection on the process and outputs of a multi-lateral pro gramme, Localising Agenda 21 (LA21] initiated in 1994 by UN-HABITAT, a Belgian Consortium coordinated by K.U.Leuven's Post Graduate Centre Human Settlements (PGCHS), the Belgian Development Cooperation, and a host of local actors, including the municipalities of the programme's partner cities of Nakuru (Kenya), Essaouira (Morocco), Vinh (Vietnam), and Bayamo (Cuba). Oscillating between theory and practice, the book attempts to make use of the benefit of insight from the process. These are simultaneously embedded in the global debate on sustainable urban development and the realities of the four urban contexts.

This collection of essays targets a varied audience including decision-makers. community developers, city planners, managers, scholars, designers, stu dents and interested individuals. It not only offers the way forward on the implementation of the Localising Agenda 21 Programme at the local level, but perhaps most importantly it offers a critical reflection on the relationship between sustainable visions for possible futures and strategic urban projects. both elaborated through a co-productive process. Case studies form the core of this book. Documented as independent chapters, each includes an overview of the layered narratives of urban history, the contemporary contestation of territories, the visions and strategic projects co-produced during the LAZ1 process. These are further complemented by a series of cross-reading essays that conceptualise and develop particular themes with reference to the cities" case studies. Throughout the various contributions, the term localising has been broadened to stress the importance of the locus- urban space and civic awareness as a frame and a resource for development. This stance not only provides a new drive for planning and urbanism, but also adds a crucial dimension to the Agenda 21.