2013

Honorable Mention: Sonia Hirt
Title: Iron Curtains: Gates, Suburbs and Privatization of Space in the Post-Socialist City (Wiley-Blackwell)

Relying on a detailed and wide-ranging empirical study of Sophia, Bulgaria, Sonia Hirt provides a thoroughly researched and brilliantly written study of post-socialist urbanism that is a must read for anyone interested in contemporary urban politics, and especially questions related to the privatization of public spaces. This timely study focuses on the cultural forces that are reshaping the spaces and spatiality of the post-socialist city without losing sight of the importance of economic and political factors. A culmination of over a decade researching the social and spatial change in post-socialist Sophia, Hirt’s writing reflects a deep scholarly engagement and personal connection with the city, and at the same time gives voice to those taking part in and resisting these changes. This interdisciplinary study will find a broad audience in contemporary post-socialist studies.

Winner: Gerald Easter