Political Spaces: Urban public sites By: Active Fields 2013 Team
Index:
1. Occupy Wall Street: The Political Protest Movement at Zuccotti Park, Manhattan by Sitthiwat Suddhijaru 2. Bardo Square The Spark of the Arab Spring by Atima Yasadatt 3. Gezi Park Protest 2013: Nothing Can Stop the People from Being Heard by Denise Justin Quema 4. The Fall of Berlin Wall: A symbolic boundary between democracy and communism by Jirachaya Kerdpanya 5. Red Shirt Protest: One created the separation in a Nation by Naparat Dacharux 6. Green Movement: Twitter Revolution by Norataj Phuvatanaraksa 7. The Egyptian Revolution: The strategically well planned square encounter by Korn Supsakorn
Occupy Wall Street: The Political Protest Movement at Zuccotti Park, Manhattan New York City, United State of America. 2011 40.709385째N, 74.011323째W 3,100 sqm
Occupy Wall Street Protest in Zuccotti Park
Occupy Wall Street is a protest against social and
Manhattan, there are a lot of Privately Owned Public
economic inequality. The protestors were introduced
Space or was called as POPS. It is a space that opens
as the 99% group against the 1% minority that
to public but is the property of private company. It
control civic lives.
opens 24 hours and can be regulated only by the owner, thus police could not legally control.
The situation occurred in lower Manhattan, New York City, United state of America. In southern
Promoted Poster of Occupy Wall Street Movement
Map of Privately Owned Public Spaces in Lower Manhattan
Zuccotti Park
One chase Manhattan Plaza
Bowling Green Park
Map of 3 Chosen Sites for the Protest
One chase Manhattan Plaza is the first choice for
Since the police discovered the plan before, they
the protest. It is the biggest banking building in
fenced off the spaces. Therefore the target site
Wall Street with direct entrances to the subway
moves to Zuccotti Park.
station. Second option is Bowling Green Park. It is
alternate option for the protest. Since the park is
a public park where National historic buildings are
accessible by the public without any ruling control,
located. It is next to front entrance of the United
some behaviors forced the park new regulations.
Bankruptcy Court. Page 6
Br
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Axonometric Drawing of Zuccotti Patk
Aerial View of Zuccotti Park
Atmosphere inside Zuccotti Park
Zuccotti Park is an
Axonometric of Zuccotti Park in Normal Stage
Page 7
Axonometric of Zuccotti Park in Occupied Situation
POPS (Privately Owned Public Spaces) are becoming a common model of social space in the urban setting, claiming to keep and maintain shared civic spaces whilst also regulating them according to the owner’s best interest - which may or may not reflect society’s needs and expectations of public urban Erections of Tent in Zuccotti Park during the Protest
Establishment of Kitchen in Zuccotti Park during the Protest
places. (Figure25)
Zuccotti Park’s New Regulation Sign
Protestors’ Behaviors 1) Protestors settle down with tents, sleeping bag and other erection of structures. Rule: Camping and/or erection of tents, temporary structures, tarps or other structures are prohibited.
Behavior 1 on site
Illustration of the Behavior
2) People were lying down on the ground, benches, sitting area and walkways. Rule: Zero tolerance for lying down or sleeping which unreasonably interferes with the use of ground, benches, sitting area and walkways. Page 8
Illustration of the Behavior
Behavior 2 on site
3) The space was divided into areas for kitchen and library corner by having shelves as the separator. Rule: The establishment of a Library, Kitchen, etc. is prohibited.
Behavior 3 on site
Illustration of the Behavior
4) Floor and walls were used to stab down the signboard. Rule: No signs are to be adhered to the walls or benches. Sign may be carried into the park without poles or stick attached.
Illustration of the Behavior
Behavior 4 on site
5) Drum was used to entertain and to give a sound for signal. Rule: No drum or drumming as well as any amplifying equipment.
Page 9
Behavior 5 on site
Illustration of the Behavior
6) Some protestors used bicycle, skateboard in the walkways inside the park Rule: The use of bicycles, skateboard and rollerblade is prohibited.
Illustration of the Behavior
Behavior 6 on site
OCCUPY W
ZUCCOTTI PA
Before
Normal Stage
Protest
No amplifying equipme Page 10
No Sleeping
No Seperation
No signboard attached
No Structure
No Bicycle, Skateboard
WALL STREET
ARK, MANHATTAN
ent
After
Regulated Stage
Aftermath
Human Microphone Page 11
d
Figure25. Spatial Logic Diagram of Occupy Wall Street
Page 12
Bardo Square The Spark of the Arab Spring Tunis, Tunisia. 2010 36°48’26.21”N, 10° 8’13.29”E 17,475 ha or sqm `
Mohammed Bouazizi setting himself on fire in front a police station.
The Tunisian Revolution is the main
Mohammed Bouazizi becomes the symbol for all the people.
of speech by a young street vendor, Mohammed
trigger of the revolutionary wave of demonstrations
Bouazizi.
and protests, riots and civil wars that are repeatedly
Bouaziz’s conducted the act of self-immolation
happening today in the Arab world. Surprisingly, it
in protest to the confiscation of his wares and the
started from just a single incident that took place
harassment and humiliation that was allegedly
in the center-west region of Tunisia, Sidi Bouzid.
inflicted on him by a police officer and her aides. His
Since the authority usually harshly oppresses
act became the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution,
most Arab nations, emotional pain and grievance
inciting demonstrations and riots throughout
of the people are shared among the people. These
Tunisia in protest of social and political issues in the
intense feelings caused by decades of suppression
country.
and oppression paved the way for the revolution
throughout the nations.
around social network through videos and messages
such as on twitter and Facebook. People were no
The revolution was sparked by the
On December 17, 2010, Mohamed
The news of the uprising spread rapidly
longer afraid to post comments and express their desperate protest against unemployment and lack PSYCHOLOGICAL & BEHAVIOURAL TRANSFORMATIONS transformation ofMohamed Bousisi = the cause of the revolution
distruction of social boundary
media blackout enforced by the government = no freedom and public rights
breaking through the media blackout = heard by the world
fruit seller = poor
poor = confiscated
confiscated = snapped
VOICELESS
OPPRESSED
INFURIATED
TIMELINE
BEFORE
snapped = desperate protest = sparked the ARAB SPRING = spread REBELLIOUS
DEC 17 2010
DEC 18 2010
Psychological and behaviorial transformation due to outside influences.
Page 13
Page 14
Diagram explaining how the Tunisian Revolution start and cause the Arab Spring
Mohammed’s familiy holding his picture after his death.
Page 15
feelings. Social penetrations increased, the media blackout was destroyed to spread the words to the world.
Mohammed
Bouazizi
courageousness
encouraged the people throughout Tunisia to break through decades of heavy censorship and police repression and fight for public rights. He is now a legend that marked the most remarkable history of Tunisia and other Arab countries. The Tunisian flag and his photograph became the symbols that were used in numerous revolutions in the Arab Spring.
Anger and violence intensified following
Bouazizi’s death that within two weeks the political movement spread to many regions and soon Mohammed’s familiy holding his picture after his death.
The atmosphere during a protest at Bardo Square.
Page 16
Mohammed being hospitalized at tunis.
The Mews at Charing Cross in 1793.
reached the capital city, Tunis. On December 27, Around 1,000-2,000 demonstrators clashed with Security forces while attempting to march their way to the capital’s central Bardo square. The protest get more serious and more people joined, leading unrest demonstrations of more than 7,000 protesters to gather at Bardo Square in front of the National Constituent Assembly, setting fire and forcing the President Zine El Ben Ali’s to officially step down, after 23 years in power. Ben Ali was driven from power on January 14 and fled to Saudi Arabia.
Unfortunately, the revolution did not
bring about any significant change and the dramatic wave of social and political unrest did not come The clash between protesters and security force.
Tunisian Revolution effects other Arab countries such as Egypt.
Protesters occupy Bardo Square to call for the regsignation of Ben Ali.
The square was built after the National Gallery in 1840.
Activities and interactions evolve around elements inside the square. boundaries
oppressors oppression towards the people
TOPOLOGY NETWORK LOGIC
authority
dictatorship 1 people fighting back to gain rights
2
3
transformations
4
democracy
5 propaganda and censorship laws and regulations police and soldiers government buildings
no freedom
freedom Page 17
transformations
Plan of the square and connecting roads.
no freedom
freedom
Tensions have been mounting over
to an end. Political crisis deepens and protests
opposition efforts to oust the government following
continue because of the ongoing unemployment
the assassination of a leftist politician on July 25,
and corruptions.
2013, the second such killing in six months.
been divided between protesters demanding the
Soldiers blocked off the central Bardo
resignation of Tunisians government and others
square in Tunis, declaring it a “closed military zone�
showing their support for the current government
after pro- and anti-government protesters threw
led by the Ennahda party.
Today The Bardo square has
Page 18
Isometric drawing of Bardo Square, Tunis.
rocks at each other.
From August 6th up to about 40 days, anti-
government protesters up to about 95,000 invaded and occupied Bardo Square, transforming the whole area into sit-in protest. It became the routine for the protesters to gather at specific time, ceremony, Protesters burning an authority’s cap.
and event. It was the largest demonstration in Tunisian’s history. Protesters chanted: “The people want the fall of the assassins,” while across the barricades government supporters retorted: “The people are Muslim and will not capitulate”.
Bardo Square was transformed into a
political space by the people, using its advantagous The density of the people during a protest.
location for as it is in the center of many important
Page 19
Protesters disruption transforms Bardo Square into a Political space.
conjoining main roads. Moreover the fact that it is located directly in front of the Nation Constituent Assembly makes it even more suitable for the public movement to attack the area and address the big issue that must be heard internally and externally. Disruption of traffic and other modes Main participants are young unemployed graduates.
of transportation brought attention to the people who were ignored by the authority for decades.
The massive gathering of people sharing
the same views, values, and psychological needs can make a high profile by working together collectively. The people of Tunisia have finally realized the power they possess and that an oppressive government can be resisted. The media has been helping them express Bird cage is used to symbolise what the people need-freedom.
Logic diagram of the Tunisian Revolution.
1
2
3
4
5
Page 20 OBEDIENT
OPPRESSED
INFURIATED
REBELLIOUS
Democratic
fears the authority and abide by the rules without any opinion
feels irritated by persistent pressure, mistreatment and ignorance of the governement
desires change and freedom from repression relying on social media as a tool
snapped and take part in anti-government protests and demonstrations
have the right to speak out and share opinions on various issuues with the government
-STRESSFUL -UNCOMFORTABLE -UNSATISFY
-STIMULATED -INTOLERABLE -CHALLENGING
-DEMANDING -EXPLODING -ANGRY
-UNRESTRICTED -INDEPENDENT -SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
-DOMINATED -NO RIGHTS -CONFINED
1
People’s emotions and feelings effect actions and behaviors.
Zoom in of the logic diagram illustrating different networks.
Congestions of the roads during the protest.
Slogans are used to communicate with the government.
their unspoken emotions and uniting as a whole to
would make every individual happy.
challenge the power of the authority that has been
oppressing them for many decades but the question
revolution, emotions and feelings stood out so
is‌ if the feelings are more than overwhelming‌
much that my project grew from different phrases
what would be the best solution to neutralized the
of emotions in relation to behaviors. I explore the
two opposing sides to meet each other half way at
explosion of uncontrollable emotions expressed
the most reasonable and understandable point that
physically and psychologically in the research.
By
researching
about
the
Tunisian
Page 21
Senarios of activities relating to different political situations.
Page 22
People marching to the National Constituent Assembly.
Page 23
Tunisian Revolution is the inspiration for all other Arab nations
It is the media that provids a plateform
for people to express their feelings and break free from the boundery. This is an important aspect that indicates all decisions and situations because they all must be decided by the people. Tunisia exploded, followed by other countries. People can no longer handle the burden inside from lack of freedom of speech which cause the people to feel extremely oppressioned which became the pressure
that
resulted in anger and frustration. Once a person gets snapped they can go as mad as they can if they’re not alone. In that the connections are very strong because the people are fighting over the same thing which is a change in this case. Unrest demonstations caused by prolong oppression by the system.
Page 24
Page 25
Logic diagram extracting the cause of Tunisian Revolution.
Page 26
Gezi Park Protest 2013: Nothing Can Stop the People from Being Heard Gezi Park & Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey. 1943 41°02’18” N, 28°59’13” E 4 ha or sqm
Ceyda Sungur, named ‘The Woman in Red’
Page 27
On the 28th of May 2013, Istanbul’s Gezi Park bore a peaceful sit-in protest composed of 50 environmentalists opposing the replacement of the park with a shopping mall and possible residence towers. To these select individuals, the proposal was absurd. Gezi Park was one of the few remaining green spaces on the European side of Istanbul. It is an urban park created in 1943, to serve as a recreational area for the community, and removing it for commercial purposes was pure capitalism to many.
Protesters gathering under the shade of the trees in Gezi Park
50 environmentalists stage a sit in protest
Gezi Park and Taksim Square
Local business around Taksim Square
Police Brutality occurs
The protest quickly turned sour when police interfered using physical force. As police brutality was applied with first the usage of tear gas, online activism was put into action. People took to social media so rapidly in a short amount of time – calling support from their fellow countrymen as well as international peers. Page 28
Online activism demonstrated through electronic devices
As the size of the protest grew on the 31st of May, the mass spread out towards occupying Taksim Square located next to the park. Taksim Square, being the major tourist shopping district and main transportation hub, was the perfect space to occupy. Considered to be the heart of modern Istanbul, it serves greatly for social gatherings such as this. Online activism calls to Twitter for help and support
While police fought with weapons, protesters fought with whatever they could find
Protesters are doused with cold water
Water cannons direct high pressure water forces onto the protesters
Police use deadly weapons
Protesters use unconventional weapons
As police set up barricades, fired tear gas, pepper sprayed people, and introduced water canons, the people made use of what they could find. Paving stones, splintered wood, broken steel, and even molotov cocktail bombs. Guy Fawkes masks were eventually used to remain anonymous as well as Riots cause physical harm to many
to encourage the idea of a revolution. At this stage, the severe police crackdown has fl ipped a normal protest into a mass riot. A change of focus then ensued, it wasn’t about the Gezi Park anymore but the outrage over police brutality, no freedom of press, prohibited expression, no right for assembly, false media, and the government’s censorship.
An injured man
Guy Fawkes masks used to remain anonymous or further strenghten the movement
Page 29
Twitter becomes the dominant virtual platform
On the 3rd of June, the use of Twitter dominated the virtual platform. Twitter hashtags were created. 3G signals in some areas were turned off, but shops and offices removed security passwords from their own networks to allow free wifi usage. The Internet became a very crucial part of the movement. From the 22nd of June onwards, the number of people kept increasing until eventually 2.5 million people were partaking in this uprising. The wrath of the people was also provoked by the government’s control of Turkey’s media. As CNN International featured live broadcasts of the situation around Taksim Square, CNN Turkey covered a documentary about Penguins. This move lead to mockery by the people, demonstrated through artwork, graffi Page 30
ti, and even online portrayal.
Occupy Gezi hashtags created
Wifi accessibility is turned off
Small shopowners turn on their private wifi networks and remove private passwords to allow usage
Wifi accessibility turns into a major player in the protest
While CNN Turkey broadcasted a documentary about penguins, CNN International broadcasted the ac
ctual events happening
Humour at Prime Minister Erdogan
A joke in reference to the TV show, Game of Thrones
Penguin graffiti from CNN Turkey’s coverage of penguins, creating false media
With the ongoing indifference of Turkish media to the protests, people fought physically as well as virtually. Blog posts were created, crowdfundings started, multiple support from various groups and organizations against the Prime Minister Erdogan was accepted. Graffiti, artwork, and various satirical content covering the situation had also surfaced. In return, the Taksim Movement created both physical and economical damages. It exposed the government’s extreme control over media outlets, and the massive effect social media has played into getting people heard. The movement is still ongoing today, with less participants greatly muted by the government and its media. Also, that Page 31
shopping mall is still going to be built.
Penguin graffiti
Economy is greatly affected
Erdogan’s Way
Mass of angry protesters
Protest RIOT
Page 32
Formal Logic depicting the events of Gezi Park Protest 2013
Page 33
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The Fall of Berlin Wall: A symbolic boundary between democracy and communism Berlin, Germany. 1961-1989 52°31’N, 13°23’E 155 km (96 mi)
The Fall of Berlin wall
During the soviet union era, the soviet union has occupied many lands including Germany in 1945 after the end of hitler’s war, european ruined, Germany has split into 4 parts own by UK France and USA . The relationship between the red russian and other allied has end immediately after the war which make Germany separated into two big part West Germany and East Germany also in Berlin as well. The West Germany start forming their country under the influence by UK France and USA, using democracy call “The Federal republic of Germany” or FRD. While the east is under the influence of soviet union, communist, forming a country called “The Germany Democratic republic” or GDR. Germany in 1945
West and East Germany
The first wall
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During the year of 1949 to 1960 west Germany has set up a capitalist society which leads to a rapid growth of economy, some people call this “economics miracles” Lots of east german start to move to West Germany for a better living, which leads to lack of labour force and economy crisis in East Germany. in 1961 East Germany has lost 2.5 million people, they are so afraid of collapse of country so under the influence of soviet union they try to take over west Germany even threatened the US with the use of nuclear weapon, but The US and other allied were committed to defending west Germany. “We will protest but not go to war” said John F. Kennedy. At the time east Germany desperately need a permanent solution so just passed mid night of 12 and 13 August 1961. Trucks, soldiers and construction worker came the boarder and start to built a wall, which ever side of the border one went across to visit friends or family during the night of Aug 12 stuck there for decades. The wall goes over 100 miles through center of Berlin and wrapped around west berlin. Page 36
people trying to escape
1961, aug 13 the wall first built using a with concrete post, but still some of east german escape to west Germany. Few days later the wall has change to a concrete block topped with barbed wired, which blocks the vision between the two countries, the heat is carry on until 26th of june 1963 the President John F. Kennedy first visit to West Germany give a speech to inspire people even more with a famous quote “ Ich Bin Ein Berliner” which means I am a berliner in german. Still lots of people are able to escape. During the years of the Wall, around 5,000 people successfully defected to West Berlin. The number of people who died trying to cross the wall, or as a result of the wall’s existence, has been disputed. “The most vocal claims by Alexandra Hildebrandt, Director of the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and widow of the Museum’s founder, estimated the death toll to be well above 200. A historic research group at the Center for Contemporary Historical Research (ZZF) in Potsdam has confirmed 136 deaths. Prior official figures listed 98 as being killed.” (From wikipedia)
First wall
Illustration of the fist wall and second wall
Morning of August, 13th 1961
President John F. Kennedy giving the speech
Second wall
The third changes of the wall come with a stronger, thicker structure a concrete wall support by steel girders. ..still the wall is not enough, there’s still huge number of escape. Early successful escapes involved people jumping the initial barbed wire or leaping out of apartment windows along the line, but these ended as the wall was fortified. East German authorities no longer permitted apartments near the wall to be occupied, and any building near the wall had its windows boarded and later bricked up. On 15 August 1961, Conrad Schumann was the first East German border guard to escape by jumping the barbed wire to West Berlin. On 22 August 1961, Ida Siekmann was the first casualty at the Berlin Wall: section of L-shape wall
orders to prevent anyone from escaping. Another dramatic escape was carried out on April 1963 by Wolfgang Engels, a 19-year-old civilian employee of the Nationale Volksarmee. Engels stole a Soviet armored personnel carrier from a base where he was deployed and drove it right into the wall. He was Wall during the constrction
fired at and seriously wounded by border guards.
she died after she jumped out of her third floor
But a West German policeman intervened, firing
apartment at 48 Bernauer Strasse. The first person
his weapon at the East German border guards. The
to be shot and killed while trying to cross to West
policeman removed Engels from the vehicle, which
Berlin was GĂźnter Litfin, a twenty-four-year-old
had become entangled in the barbed wire. During
tailor. He attempted to swim across the Spree Canal
1975 to 1989 the last change of the wall an L-shape
to West Germany on 24 August 1961, the same day
concrete with smooth pipe on top which makes it
that East German police had received shoot-to-kill
impossible to grab also automatic guns guards, and
Transformation of the wall and the death strip
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Wall during the constrction
The fall has started slowly as the heating never gone on 12 of June 1987 Ronald Reagan give a strong speech in front of Charlie gate to challenge Mikhail Gorbachev the soviet union the tear down the wall 19 of Aug 1989 Hungary effectively disabled its physical border with Austria, this has set up a Dead-strip
dogs also the anti-vehicle steel in the middle part which is call dead-strip. “If an escapee was wounded in a crossing attempt and lay on the death strip, no matter
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chain events in September 1989 more than 13,000 East German tourist escape through prague with the help of West Germany embassy in prague to Austria and back To West berlin. During that time government not allow any further travel to Hungary
how close they were to the Western wall, Westerners
but allow them to return. on 4th of November 1989
could not intervene for fear of triggering engaging fire
half a million people gather at the Alexanderplatz
from the ‘Grepos’, the East Berlin border guards. The
demonstration for a quite protest as they call it a
guards often let fugitives bleed to death in the middle
“peaceful revolution” this leads to the next event.
of this ground, as in the most notorious failed attempt,
on the 9th of November 1989 Egon Krenz the new
that of Peter Fechter (aged 18). He was shot and bled
east Germany president decided to allow people to
to death, in full view of the Western media, on 17
exit directly through crossing point between east
August 1962. Fechter’s death created negative publicity
Berlin and west berlin then give it to spokesman
worldwide that led the leaders of East Berlin to place
Gunter Schabowski who has never been involved in
more restrictions on shooting in public places, and
the discussion this is a trigger to the fall of berlin
provide medical care for possible “would-be escapers”. The last person to be shot and killed while trying to cross
wall. on the 3rd of october 1989 Germany has reunited.
the border was Chris Gueffroy on 6 February 1989. The Wall gave rise to a widespread sense of desperation and oppression in East Berlin, as expressed in the private thoughts of one resident, who confided to her diary “Our lives have lost their spirit…we can do nothing to stop them.” (From wikipedia)
The transformation of the wall
Peaceful protest at Alexanderplatz.
Morning of November, 10th 1989 at Charlie gate
Tear down of the wall
Morning of November, 10th 1989 at Charlie gate
People celebrating, November, 9th 1989 at Charlie gate
The wall has never separate german people even their country has split in to two part but they never belong to any country the wall is only a division between west berlin and east berlin also its act like a propaganda for east berlin somehow its also a symbolic boundary between democracy and Before and After, Berlin wall
communism during the cold war era.
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Red Shirt Protest: One Created The Seperation In A Nation Panfah Bridge Area, Bangkok, Thailand. 1782 and Ratchaprasong Intersection, Bangkok, Thailand. 1966 13° 45’ 21.16” N, 100° 30’ 21.44” E
13° 44’ 40.57” N, 100° 32’ 24.91” E
1,800,000 sqm
3,750,000 sqm
UDD or National United Front of
despise the Democrat group. Some hold just tired
Democracy Against Dictatorship is a prolonged
of frequent Thai politic revolution, or even joined
series of political protest. The group is originated
the group to express personal opinion through the
in 2006 and had been taking action from March
public image of the Red shirt.
333 ha or sqm
to May of 2010 against the Democrat party which
The protest began to take action on 14th
was, at that time, led by Priminister Aphisit and his
March 2010, after the leader of the protester
government.
announced the plan of rally through social media,
There are certain criterias and reasons
along the Rachadamnern road and continued to the
why the UDD group specifically chose RED as their
Dusit palace. The group consisted of people from
group’s color. According to the colors on Thailand’s
provincial areas as well as some from Bangkok city.
flag, the color red represents the nation and also
Rachadamnern road is considered not only
the color of Sunday based on the astrological rule,
the standardized but also strategic position in
the birthday of previous Priminister Taksin. /
Thailand for any marching group, not to mention
As well, implies that the protest is against the
the protesting party. With the orientation where
yellow together with the Monarchy. In communist
connecting to several other 6 main roads and a bridge,
countries, red is also commonly used to represents
this allows the protesting group to disassembled
the color of blood.
swiftly if the violent action is to happen. However,
Red shirt protest group consists of people
the only problem with this position is also the fact
who have different thoughts. Mainly, they are
that they are connected to many other main routes/
grassroots from Thailand’s countryside where the
hence let other parties to blend in easily.
policy of the previous Primnister Taksin reached and later became admiring him, and at the same time,
Former prime minister Taksin Shinawatra.
Current prime minister at that time, Abhisit Vejjajiwa.
Page 41
A week later, on 20th March
subdue the situation. The protocol demands people
2010, the protest group marched around Bangkok
in bangkok and its vicinity not to participate in any
through different main roads with significant
potential political movement and meeting. Curfew,
numbers of people and vehicle as followed. 100,000
vehicle and building restrictions were authorized to
participants, 10,000 motorcycles and 7,000 cars.
prevent any risk to the security of the state.
In the beginning of April, due to extensive
On 10th April 2010, the protest group at
numbers of people participated in the protest along
Rachadamnern road was subdued. As for that in
Rachadamnern road as well as the new assemblage
Rachaprasong road remained the same. On account
at Rachaprasong intersection
where protest
violent means used to subdue the uprising as well
areas are known to be famous shopping center,
as the death of one of the protestant, this caused
educational area, business district and international
the people in the protest to rose against the military
government institutes. causing tense circumstance
and government.
plus even more traffic congestion in Bangkok, priminister Aphisit called for emergency protocol to
The subdued protest group moved to Rachaprasong intersection to join the other half.
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PannFah Bridge plan and the space strategy.
Significant areas around Ratchaprasong Intersection.
The boundary where the Red shirt occupied the Intersection.
With increased amount of people in
On the D-day, 19th May 2010, the
Rachaprasong intersection, the protest areas
military troops went inside into the Rachaprasong
expanded. Starting from the west: Rama 1 road to
intersection and area that had been blocked to
the east: Ploenchit road. From the north: Rajadamri
subdue the protest group, making them evade
road around Pratoonam intersection down to the
the area. The leader of the uprising decided to
southern area of Lumphinee park. It also covers
disassembled the protest group. Many of the people
around the Northern part of Lumphini park until soi
from the protest group escaped and remained in
Chitlom around San Sab canal. The center stage of
Phrathum Wanaram temple area. However, some
the protest is located at the middle of intersection.
of the protestants displeased such decision and
As the previous priminister Taksin
used violent means to destroy public utility and
contacted the protest group via social media was
surrounding buildings.
projected on the main stage at the Ratchaprasong
After the 2-month-long incident which
intersection, it happened to encourage and give
caused so much degradation to the city of bangkok,
great hope to the uprising to continue the rally.
the city people volunteered to clean up and repair the
To around a month, between thirteen to eighteen 13-18th May of 2010 the government
damaged public facilities so as for the surrounding buildings are closed for renovation.
started to secure Rachaprasong intersection with
For two-month long of rally, the Red
armed military troops with armored vehicles in
Shirts occupied and transformed central Bangkok
order to subdue the protest group on the designated
and made it into a space of public debate with
date. Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation
guaranteed international attention by challenging
decided to cut off the public utility around the
civic rules and rhythms with only one tool: the
intersection.
crowd. Page 43
Intense situation in Ratchaprasong Intersection.
Citizen helps cleaning the area after the protest is over.
Firefighter was trying to stop the fire at Central World shopping mall.
Page 44
Green Movement: Twitter revolution Tehran, Iran. 2009 35.6976° N, 51.3375° E 5 ha
Page 45
The Green Movement protest in 2009
the action.
started after the president election’s result which
In June 16th, 32 people were reported
shows that Mahmound Ahmadinejad won the vote
killed and many injured. Large number of protesters
by landslide. Protesters believed the result was a
started to decrease because of the increasing
fraud and they wanted Mahmound to resign.
violence that government had warned and the
The protest took place in Azadi Square
expanded military forces’ presence in cyberspace.
because the Iranian Revolution, which happened in
Protesters use social media as a mean to
1979, also took place here. The Square is known as
create physical meeting because physical meeting
the Square of Freedom after that event.
can create larger impact. Although this place no
Mr. Hossein Mousavi, the leader of the
longer serves as a protesters ground, it is still
movement, is the opponent in the election. Green
regarded as an important site which divides two
was initially used as a symbol in his campaign and it
main opinions.
is later used to symbolize hope and unity . In June 12th after the result came out, the largely peaceful protest became violent. The group of Green Movement was consisted mainly of University students, the middle-class and women groups who wanted to claim their rights. Between June 13th-15th, the protesters started to round from 100,000 to 3-million people through social media. The government warned this kind of meeting as illegal and they would suppress
Transportations
The protesters believed that result was a fraud
As a peaceful protesters become violent after the result came out is not the way that it should been done. But atleast, when violent happen people from over the world start to pay attention to them more than peaceful protest. Still the violent protesters always end up with violent suppression for their Iranian Revolution in 1979
price too.
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Protesters become violent
Protesters become violent
Protesters become violent
University Student
Middle class
Woman group
The protesters starts to round up through social media
From Green movement case study, I’m interesting in how can people use social media a effective tool to gather people but in the same time it’s easily for the government to suppress the social media connection. Can we adapt this effective tool from social media and encourage people to have a The Police supress the protest
Expanded military forces presence in cyber space
peaceful protest. Page 47
Vacant Azadi square
Green Movement’s logic
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The Egyptian Revolution 2011: The strategically well planed square encouter Cairo, Egypt. 2011 55.7542° N, 37.6200° E 333 ha or sqm
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The Egytian Revolution of 2011 took place in Tahrir Square, in the city of Cairo Egypt. There were various types of movement of demonstrations, marches and government headquarters occupations. Millions of protesters from different background gathered together with one same demand which is “to overthrow the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak“ who has been sealing the seat for 33 years. There were clashes between the security forces and protesters which resulted in tragic. At least 846 people were killed and 6,000 injured. Protesters also took place in Alexandria and other cities in Egypt, following the Tunisian revolution that resulted in the overthrow of the long-time Tunisiam president. However, After 18 days of protests that spilled out from Cairo’s Tahrir Square, President Hosni Mubarak hands power to military’s ruling body, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. Mubarak’s former prime minister, Ahmed Shafik, is tapped to lead the cabinet. The constitution is suspended and the parliament disbanded.
Hosni Mubarak
Protesters celebration on 11 feb 2011
Surrounding features
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Center of Cairo
Accessible to every direction
Image Caption here
Image Caption here
On 17 January 2011. An Egyptian man sets him-
Tahrir square is a great space for political action
self on fire outside Cairo’s parliament building
because of its physical aspects. In diagram1 shows
after a dispute with local authorities over receiv-
that there are government headquarters and
ing his monthly coupons for subsidized bread. This
cultural instituions surrounding the square such as
fast-food stand owner was apparently inspired by
Egyptian Museum, Rulling Party Headquarter,
the Tunisian fruit seller whose self-immolation
Nile Hilton, Intercontinental Hotel and Mogamma
triggered a popular uprising in December 2010.
government building. It situates in the center of
On the following day, Jan. 18, 2011 an unemployed
Cairo, the capital city of Egypt which is highly
man in Alexandria is the second Egyptian to set
populated. Major roads are directly connected to
himself ablaze in two days.
the square making it easy for protesters to attack
On Jan 25, 2011.Protesters take to the streets
to the center .The roads are highly densed and wide.
of Cairo to demonstrate against political repres-
It is packed with cars and buses causing further
sion and unemployment under President Hosni
traffic jam which effect the economical and business
Mubarak. Several thousand people clash with police
situation around the Tahrir Square.
on Egypt’s “Day of Anger.�
Anti government against government supporters
The man set himself on fire
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People density
Image Caption here
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Gathering: mosque
Optimal routes
1. Gathering Many egyptians’ protest routes meeting place are at
Mosques. Optimal mosques were selected based on far distance from police stations in order to reduce
Image Caption here
the likelihood of police action. 2. Protest route Protest route collection areas are densely populated and encourage residents to join along the route, increasing
the
participation.
The
protesters
approach on routes that go directly to Tahrir Square. 3. Convergence point Smaller groups of protesters converge at major roads and continue directly to Tahrir square on Without plan, it would not have been successful.
approach routes.
Tahrir Square is tightly secured by the police. The police marked out the expected places and ways that protesters could possibly come. It was Basem Kamel, the man who strategized an effective approach towards the Tahrir Square which
The plan was spread out to the protesters through social media which indicate the meeting time and the attacking time. In which the police could not prevent them from countering the square.
is tightly secured by polices. There are 3 strategic elements that lead them to a succussful protest.
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Protesters came from every direction to fulfill the square. They took the advantage of the physicallity
Basem Kamel and partners selected the density of people area as his primary target people and found if there is any meeting point that could possibly be the best place that communicate to the protesters.
Optimal routes
of the square. It was a big problem for police to defend. In the end, the police could not resist. There were around 1 million protesters filled in the square finally.