Fantastical cities: A systematic review of the architectural imaginary

Abstract

Driven by the notion that fantastical cities and the architectural imaginary are deeply embedded in cultural, social, and political contexts, this systematic literature review explores the relationship between fantastical cities and the architectural imaginary within academic discourse. It examines their conceptualization, representation, and interpretation through a multidimensional framework incorporating: “Cultural and Social”, “Physical and Spatial”, and “Political and Economic” dimensions. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review identifies and analyses 35 peer-reviewed articles published in academic journals in English. Following a narrative synthesis approach, the study identifies how these dimensions shape the academic understanding of urban and architectural imaginations across various media, uncovering critical gaps and future research opportunities. It maps architectural and urban elements used to describe fictional cities in literature, revealing how these elements visualize alternative futures and spotlighting which aspects are emphasized or neglected. The study suggests further scholarly inquiry into less explored themes such as transportation modes, political authority, architectural features, and building materials within fictional contexts. Additionally, it advocates for incorporating non-Western and indigenous perspectives to broaden the global comprehension of these imaginative environments. This research contributes to the discourse on urban studies, architecture, media, and futures studies, enhancing our collective vision of urban spaces and continuing to shape the intersection of these creative fields.