Şefika AYDIN
Murat ŞENTÜRK
Abstract
The effect of the relation between the assemblage concept of Deleuze and Guattari and the actor-network theory of Bruno Latour on urban studies is discussed in this study. Although there are two different versions of using the assemblage concept in urban studies (DeLanda’s theory of assemblage and Latour’s actor-network theory), it is rather considered in relation with the actor-network theory. The actor-network theory is influenced by Deleuze, and this is revealed in the field of urban studies by a new research methodology characterized as “assemblage urbanism”. Assemblage urbanism highlights the ethnographic method and emphasizes empirical research with thick description. Assemblage urbanism, which has essential differences from context-dependent conventional and neo-Marxist urban studies, defines non-human elements as actors and gives importance to flow, becoming, and the process by rejecting all dichotomy. Because of these features, assemblage urbanism makes it possible to examine the ordinary urban life relationally, as a condensed network or rhizome in which the coming together actors play a role.
Keywords: Assemblage Urbanism, Actor-Network Theory, Deleuze and Guattari, Bruno Latour, Urban Studies.
