This is an assessment of the current state of play between urban theory, policy and architectural and planning practice in developing countries. It explains and criticizes what is happening in cities in an era now dominated by neoliberal development policy, compares and contrasts the various policy and planning approaches, and explores how they are changing the role of architects, planners and other urban professionals. It focuses on the key issues in urban environmental strategy, the spatial restructuring of cities, and attempts to increase participation in urban programmes and management. Illustrative case studies are included from: Brazil; India; Indonesia; Mexico; Peru; South Africa; and Thailand.