Abstract

City administrations and governments around the world increasingly resort to the use of urban branding (branding of cities) in pursuit of various economic, cultural, or socio-political objectives. As shifts in global, national, and local economic bases have forced cities to market themselves internationally in pursuit of new sources of revenue, the concept of urban branding has not only helped to “sell” these urban identities, but it has also inspired the creation of new ones. This process of societal transformation has been influenced by the increasing importance of immaterial and experiential stimulations such as culture and entertainment, which has lead the cities of the world to seek ever more stimulating experiences in order to remain competitive as cultural, tourist, or business destinations. While some cities have looked for inspiration in their history, others have transformed in such a way that they have erased all traces of their heritage and have reached out to architectural design and urban design in an attempt to achieve their political objectives. Consequently, in an attempt to attract attention, capital, residents, and tourists the field of architecture and urban design has become increasingly political in nature.