Winter Olympic Urbanism: Comparative Studies in Regional Development

By Valerio della Sala

Winter Olympic Urbanism: Comparative Studies in Regional Development explores the spatial, social, and policy dynamics unleashed by hosting the Winter Olympic Games.

Positioning the Olympic Village as the narrative's central node, the book examines how these ephemeral spaces, designed for fleeting athletic endeavours, spark lasting transformations at urban, metropolitan, and regional scales. Using quantitative spatial analysis, archival research, and critical policy appraisal, it traces the evolution of Olympic Villages from functional prototypes to expansive urban regeneration projects. Emphasizing legacy planning, environmental sustainability, and mega-event outcomes, the analysis reveals opportunities and contradictions in Olympic city-making. Through comparative case studies, from Oslo 1952 to Beijing 2022, it identifies patterns of territorialisation, deterritorialisation, and post-Games repurposing. Ultimately, the book casts the Olympic Village as a crucible for reimagining spatial, social, and environmental futures, offering insights for equitable, resilient urbanism.

This book is valuable for students, scholars, researchers, urban practitioners, and policymakers interested in urban planning, sport economics, and sustainable mega-event strategies.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1041220448
• ISBN13: 9781041220442
• Release Date: April 2027
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 290 Pages