In a recent blog post, Neil McInroy from Centre for Local Economic Strategies, introduced the concept of Snuggle Cities.
I like the idea of snuggle cities where polycentricity of cities is seen as a value to to an area and the relationship between the different centres is seen as being important. Where many polycentric cities seem to have one predominant centre the idea of snuggling as bed partners is also the idea of none of the centres taking hegemony over the others but they all co-exist with respect for each other. As Neil writes
“the trick is to create economic development activity in these places, which does not erode the success of the [predominant financial centre]. They can’t collide. They are forever joined and are in bed together and they need to cosily ‘snuggle’ together.. “
I understand this snuggle as a constant negotiation of the relationship to the other centre, a constant repositioning in terms of one’s strengths and what different. This dynamic, if it works, can be a tremendous benefit for cities and city regions. The challenge, as I see it, is to persuade representatives of the existing strong centres to enter open-heartedly into this equal relationship and the constant negotiating of this relationship.
Tags: , Cities, CLES, economic development, regions
Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout.
Peter Quinn
Good post, and I agree – we have far too much emphasis on the ‘centre’ without discussing its relationship to the wider city and city-region (or rural hinterland, for that matter).
There’s too much emphasis, too, on ‘competitiveness’ as the source of economic success. Sharing a bed isn’t always comfortable, but it’s better than an approach which considers you’ve made it if you’re sleeping alone in a bigger bed than anyone else!
[...] Blinkered Bunny » Blog Archive » Snuggle Cities http://www.brillebo.dk/blog/2010/01/03/snuggle-cities – view page – cached In a recent blog post, Neil McInroy from Centre for Local Economic Strategies, introduced the concept of Snuggle Cities. [...]
Julian and Peter,
Thanks for your comments. I am pleased that you like the post and agree with my comments.
Jacob