Notions of time in a neighborhood destined for state-led regeneration

Hila Zaban

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The paper deals with temporal aspects of state-led regeneration processes, focusing on a pre-gentrification era in a neighborhood’s lifecycle when various repercussions could follow. Relying on ethnographic research in neighborhood C (“Gimel”) in Beersheba, Israel, the paper joins theorizing efforts from southeastern “ordinary” cities, particularly highlighting the significant role of the state in putatively neoliberal processes. The paper argues that unknown temporal spatialization–the timing, length, and location of development–produce different perceptions of time with regard to urban transformation. Different actors develop a temporal perspective based on their subjective memory, imaginaries, and positioning. The paper offers three timescapes in a place constructed to be on the verge of change: (1) the “above” perspective of planners and municipal actors, patiently envisioning change based on external imaginaries; (2) the “intermediate” perspective of realtors and developers, seeing redevelopment as a nascent on-going process; and (3) the “below” perspectives of residents, either focusing on the decades-long decay or seeing their residency as a transient solution, with present-time longing for rapid change or fear of displacement.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1497-1519
Number of pages23
JournalUrban Geography
Volume44
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • State-led regeneration
  • displacement
  • gentrification
  • temporality
  • timescapes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Urban Studies

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