Städer, begrepp och perspektiv – ett ordnat kaos

This article is an investigation into towns, concepts and perspectives of towns. The concepts of urbanization, urbanism and urbanity all goes back to the Latin word urbs, thereby carrying a bias from Antiquity. Both present and past concepts demonstrate a range of expectations to certain settlements and a confusing use of language. Criteria reflect a choice of perspective and accessible sources. Five different perspectives have dominated the urban discourse. However, there can only be common concepts if a specific perspective is applied. The present orderly chaos of criteria, concepts and perspectives are preferable.