Across globalizing Asian cities shaped by neoliberal urbanism, large-scale urban megaprojects have become central instruments of policy, investment, and city branding. Framed as inclusive and publicly oriented, these developments often represent broader governance priorities, yet their social outcomes diverge. This paper examines when urban policy recognizes sociocultural relations—and when it erases them—through comparative case studies of two large-scale inner-city private developments: One Bangkok in Bangkok and Azabudai Hills in Tokyo. Treating these megaprojects as embodiments of policy direction, the study investigates how formal leadership and governance choices shape the inclusion or exclusion of everyday social life. Situated at the intersection of urban sociology and design anthropology, the paper conceptualizes sociocultural relations as constitutive of urban public life rather than peripheral community participation. Drawing on policy documents, development narratives, qualitative spatial analysis, and ethnographically informed observations, the analysis integrates Watsuji Tetsurō’s concept of aidagara, Yoshinori Hiroi’s life-centered systems, Japanese machizukuri thought, alongside Lefebvre’s social production of space and Bourdieu’s habitus. The findings reveal divergent governance logics. In One Bangkok, sociocultural relations linked to pre-existing communities are rendered invisible through growth-oriented development narratives, producing spatial inclusion without genuine belonging. In contrast, Azabudai Hills institutionalizes sociocultural awareness within large-scale development, supporting public spaces that sustain everyday relational life. This study contributes to interdisciplinary debates in urban studies, sociology, and public policy by demonstrating that urban erasure is not an inevitable outcome of globalization but a consequence of governance choices.

Authors:
Onnutcha Naknawaphan, Thammasat University, Thailand
Amika Naknawaphan, Thammasat University, Thailand
Apisara Ngamwongnoi, Thammasat University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Amika Naknawaphan is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Thammasat University, Thailand. She has worked in the Department of Public Works and Town & Planning, private consultancy, as well as research and teaching.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amika-naknawaphan-804700198/

Additional website of interest
https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0008-4580-034X

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

Bookmark