Ducks, Gambling and Cultural Bankruptcy: The Bastardised Urban Landscape

An essay by Marjetica Potrc and Sean Snyder, published in Afterall Journal Issue 6 on 28 April 2002, examines the phenomenon of 'bastardised urban landscapes' through the lens of ducks, gambling, and cultural bankruptcy. The text critiques the commodification and homogenization of urban spaces, using architectural and social examples to illustrate how cities are shaped by economic and cultural forces that prioritize spectacle over authenticity. The authors argue that such developments lead to a loss of local identity and community, reflecting broader trends of globalized consumer culture. The essay is part of a larger discourse on urbanism and cultural critique, accessible only to journal subscribers or via individual purchase from University of Chicago Press.