Discourses of growth in megaproject-based urban development: a comparative study of Poland and Finland

Abstract The paper aims to add the debate on varieties of neoliberalism and homogenizing effects megaproject-based urban development. It examines acculturation growth imperative as master discourse that supports development implementation two projects aimed at transforming centers Tampere, Finland, Łódź, Poland. selected cities shared similar traits industrial in past, but their current socioeconomic situation is entirely different. Tampere holds title “Finland’s most likeable city,” while rapidly depopulating Łódź was labeled “Polish Detroit.” Nevertheless, both municipalities became attracted by idea boosting through implementing large-scale infrastructural investments reshape centers. Inspired discursive institutionalism, which defines a set policy ideas values, interactive communication formulation processes, reconstructs compares strategic visions Tampere’s “Five Star City Centre” “The New Centre Łódź.” demonstrates how proponents discursively forced consent around proposed ideas. Namely, it shows issues complexity, risk, potential conflict megaprojects have been addressed. On conceptual level, convergence can be facilitated different socioeconomic, cultural, political circumstances.