Metaphor and urban studies a crossover, theory and a case study of SS Rotterdam
Metaphors are used in various ways; at the surface for framing a message (systems of language) and below the surface metaphors are related to the ways we think and act. In this paper we will explore, below the surface, the relationship between metaphors and urban studies. From an analysis of metaphors used in urban studies, it will be concluded that, so to speak, every new phenomenon gets a new metaphor around which theoretical notions are developed. Indeed, 'a 1000 flowers bloom' This paper will study what urban studies can learn from organization theory. In particular, the question whether the set of metaphors from one of the classics in organizational theory namely Gareth Morgan's Images of Organization can inform urban studies, can be used to grasp, to 'read' cities. After exploring theoretical notions, the case study is the SS Rotterdam, a former luxury cruise ship that that came back to Rotterdam to serve as a catalyst for urban development. Different metaphors of Morgan's set are applied in this case study to get a better understanding of the management, decision making, culture and political system. It will be concluded that Morgan's set of metaphors looks promising for urban studies and recommendations are made about research lines along which further theoretical and empirical work may be carried out.
City, Territory and Architecture