This open access book explores the complexity of socio-environmental extreme events and the possible ways to cope with them by mobilising critical and spatial thinking. Being set in “critical disaster studies”,it proposes a critique of dominant intellectual traditions and practices.  

However, unlike other works based exclusively on critical deconstruction, the book stirs an anticipatory, prefigurative and generative research sensibility for hope and new preparedness. Therefore, the volume proposes to unpack catastrophic and routine disaster related narratives, approaches, and actions often presented as necessary due to emergency reasons by referring to the rich debate on these topics developed in urban planning, policy, critical geography, environmental sociology, and political ecology.  

Technical solutions and new governance arrangements conceived to respond to disasters are closely observed to highlight what is at stake in an emergency, the differentiated impact of crises and disasters, their temporality and the medium/long-term effects of the response.  

Grounded in an extensive literature review of the topic and with relevant case studies in different parts of the world, the book appeals to those interested in applying critical thinking to contemporary territories in crisis and addresses mainly researchers and master students from various backgrounds as well as policymakers.  

The publication of the book was supported by CRAFT (Competence centeR Anti-Fragile Territories). CRAFT is an initiative of the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies – Politecnico di Milano – funded under the project Department of Excellence 2023-2027 promoted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.