Automating the
Logistical City

Space, Algorithms, Speculation

Amazon and other online retailers are at the forefront of a retail logistics revolution that is transforming urban spaces. While Amazon’s and other patents point to speculation about automated futures, retail and logistical operations – from fulfillment centers to last-mile delivery – are already creating spaces and architectures open to automated logistics operations. The project conducts a systematic investigation of the impact of Amazon’s logistical operations on urban spaces, with three sub-studies that focus on how Amazon’s urbanism is currently changing the properties and relationships of urban space; Amazon’s algorithmic management coordinates data, people, and things; and Amazon’s patents speculate on automated futures of logistical cities.

Invitation to ParticipateNews

Call for Participation – Interviewpartner*innen gesucht!

Black handwriting on white background saying "We are looking for you!"

Are you an Amazon (Flex) delivery driver? Then we’re looking for you! We’re curious to learn more about your everyday life, the work you do, your urban knowledge, and how you think Amazon is influencing society and city space.

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Publications
// Armin Beverungen (2024)

Automated Delivery: Amazon’s Urban Stack

In: Navigationen (Delivery. Logistics, Data, Politics, eds. Miglė Bareikytė & Julia Bee), 24:2, 47-62.
The city today is filled to the brim with logistics and platform companies vying for the chance to deliver goods to us. For example, the rise of dark retail and…

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