What are the challenges and potential of complex and emergent urban systems? This book answers this question by shedding new light on the topics of emergence, complexity, and self-organisation and showing their interconnectedness with other concepts, such as property and beauty, which are usually considered separately. It contributes to the discussion by interpreting and explaining the nature of emergent urban phenomena and suggesting more appropriate design and planning measures. The book explores and untangles these crucial topics in a compact and accessible way by offering fresh interdisciplinary perspectives on the themes of action and interaction, self-organisation, property, neighbourhood adaptability, urban beauty, and suitable public planning and design interventions.

It provides novel and crucial insights for students, researchers, and academics in Urban Studies, Planning Theory, Planning Ethics, Planning Law, Legal, Political and Human Geography, Urban and Regional Economics, Urban Sociology, and Urban Design. It is essential for anyone interested in exploring the emergent dynamics of complex urban contexts, as well as for those involved in developing various projects and measures who aim to consider the spontaneous nature of cities seriously.