Peripheral urbanism and the politics of suburban invisibility. Uncovering the marginality of suburb in the Lisbon’s metropolitan area

The suburbs of southern Europe are often overlooked in urban studies. However, they play a crucial role in metropolitan development. This article examines the structural invisibility of suburban areas, using the urbanisation of Quinta da Piedade in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA) as an example. Unlike the orderly suburban developments of northern Europe, Quinta da Piedade reflects a fragmented urbanisation process with fragile governance, weak mobility and a decline in the public environment. Using a multiscale analytical approach, this research demonstrates the need for strategic reform in response to spatial fragmentation. The study argues that these issues are indicative of broader systemic dysfunction and political neglect. It promotes a shift towards regenerative suburbanism, prioritising spatial rehabilitation and better governance. By framing Lisbon’s suburban periphery as a place of crisis and potential for transformation, this article contributes to the discussion on suburban marginality and suggests paths for policy and planning reform.