Messy Cities episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 43 MIN

Messy Cities

from Booked on Planning · host Booked on Planning

In this episode of Booked on Planning, we dive into a conversation with Zahra Ebrahim, author of 'Messy Cities: Why We Can't Plan Everything.' Ibrahim discusses the inspiration and collaborative effort behind her book, a collection of 42 essays that challenge the traditional notions of urban order and highlight the benefits of urban 'messiness'. The episode explores themes such as ecological benefits, social infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the dynamic interactions that define city living. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking discussion on re-evaluating what makes cities livable, resilient, and vibrant, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and inclusive urban planning.Show Notes:Recommended Reading: Is a River Alive? by Robert McFarlaneLondoners: The Days and Nights of London Now—As Told by Those Who Love It, Hate It, Live It, Left It, and Long for It  by Craig TaylorThe Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall KimmererTo help support the show, pick up a copy of the book and any others on your reading list through our Bookshop page at https://bookshop.org/shop/bookedonplanning.To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/Follow us on social media for more content related to each episode:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booked-on-planning/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookedPlanningFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookedonplanningInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookedonplanning/

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 10, 2026

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In this episode of Booked on Planning, we dive into a conversation with Zahra Ebrahim, author of 'Messy Cities: Why We Can't Plan Everything.' Ibrahim discusses the inspiration and collaborative effort behind her book, a collection of 42 essays that challenge the traditional notions of urban order and highlight the benefits of urban 'messiness'. The episode explores themes such as ecological benefits, social infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the dynamic interactions that define city livi...

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Messy Cities

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