Many leaders wish for a “Grand Projet” to leave a monumental mark on the fabric of the city, but none wish to be remembered for a “Grand Gesture”. The former is a symbolic project that shapes the identity of the city as much as it serves its physical needs, while the latter implies a performance in which the intention never quite determines the result.

Modernity is full of grand gestures, the logic of hyperbole. This issue deals with urban history and architectural historiography as characterised by irony, the inevitable outcome of any grand historical gesture. With contributions by John Macarthur, Maarten Delbeke, Liam Ross, Sarah Nichols, André Bideau, Berthold Hub, and Davide Spina.

Many leaders wish for a “Grand Projet” to leave a monumental mark on the fabric of the city, but none wish to be remembered for a “Grand Gesture”. The former is a symbolic project that shapes the identity of the city as much as it serves its physical needs, while the latter implies a performance in which the intention never quite determines the result.

Modernity is full of grand gestures, the logic of hyperbole. This issue deals with urban history and architectural historiography as characterised by irony, the inevitable outcome of any grand historical gesture. With contributions by John Macarthur, Maarten Delbeke, Liam Ross, Sarah Nichols, André Bideau, Berthold Hub, and Davide Spina.