From Fragments to Assemblage: An Interview with Professor Colin McFarlane

This edited transcript presents an interview with Colin McFarlane, Professor of Urban Geography at Durham University, conducted by Emanuele Amo and Fabiana D’Ascenzo at the Gregynog Theory School, Gregynog Hall, Wales, on March 19, 2024. McFarlane discussed his theoretical and methodological approach to urban geography, considering fragmentation, inequality, social justice, and assemblage theory, whilst drawing on his fieldwork experiences. The conversation touched on the unequal power relations in these encounters and considered the potential of assemblage theory for understanding rural spaces and rural-urban interconnectedness. The audience contributed a series of pointed questions, further emphasising the complexity of this approach to fragmentation. Mae'r trawsgrifiad hwn, sy’n wedi’i olygu, yn cyflwyno cyfweliad â Colin McFarlane, Athro mewn Daearyddiaeth Drefol ym Mhrifysgol Durham, a gynhaliwyd gan Emanuele Amo a Fabiana D'Ascenzo yn Ysgol Theori Gregynog, Neuadd Gregynog, ar Fawrth 19, 2024. Trafododd McFarlane ei ddull damcaniaethol a methodolegol o ymdrin â daearyddiaeth drefol, gan ystyried darnio, anghydraddoldeb, cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, a damcaniaeth gydosod, gan dynnu ar ei brofiadau’n gwneud gwaith maes. Yn ystod y sgwrs, trafodwyd y perthnasoedd anghyfartal o ran grym yn y cyfarfyddiadau hyn, ac ystyriwyd potensial defnyddio damcaniaeth gydosod i ddeall mannau gwledig a chyd-gysylltedd rhwng gwlad a thref. Cyfrannodd y gynulleidfa nifer o gwestiynau didwyll, gan bwysleisio ymhellach gymhlethdod y dull hwn o ystyried darnio.