Images of Future Cities: Toward a Sociological Typology

Abstract

The article focuses on a critical analysis of visions of the city of the future presented in social theory and urban forecasting. It aims to systematize the main conceptual models of future cities and address the question of how sociology can be employed not only to critique existing technocratic or utopian visions of urban development, but also to actively construct alternative models that are more human-centered, just, and humane. The article proposes a conceptual matrix based on the intersection of teleological and epistemological dimensions, distinguishing four key visions of the city of the future: the technocentric utopia (R. Hall’s smart city), the sociocentric utopia (E. Howard’s garden city), the technocentric dystopia (P. Virilio’s city of panic), and the sociocentric dystopia (J. Urry’s fortress city). The analysis demonstrates that the lack of a social dimension in technocentric visions leads to the dehumanization of urban space, while sociocentric visions tend to underestimate technological and infrastructural dynamics. Particular attention is paid to J. Urry’s approach, as he outlines several possible visions of future cities, one of which is incorporated into the conceptual matrix developed by the authors. The authors argue that sociology is capable not only of constructing utopias and dystopias but also of serving as a discipline that brings technological innovations into alignment with human needs, values, and principles of humane urban development.