Urban practices and the manufacturing of the contemporary city Sara Altamore*, PhD student, IUAV University of Venice /// This poster aims to illustrate the ongoing design of a Research Project
ABSTRACT An attempt to respond to the current ecological, social, political and economic crises could reside in the community-based-initiatives, considered to be key actors in the production of a convivial, socially sustainable, ecological and just city (Ayegman et al., 2003; Geels et al., 2008; Bergman et al., 2010). This poster explores how contemporary urban practices could be an expression of the right to the city. According to Henri Lefebvre (1968), this right derives from taking part in daily living and making of the city, and from meeting responsibilities which entitle citizens to participate in decision making. Urban collective practices make the kind of city we want, which is related to the kind of socialties, lifestyles and values we desire (Harvey, 2008).
Some points from which to start:
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Framework The research project begins by reflecting on the relationship between community activities and their surrounding environment using an ecological perspective (Bateson, 1972). These theoretical lenses allow us to define the environment as a place where people live and act. In this case, decision-making processes should take into account the purposes of different actors through suitable planning tools. This means that experts, institutions, local actors and citizens should work together to overcome an exclusive use of planning (i.e. a technocratic one) and move toward a more open method (Fischer, 2009; Gorz, 2008).
Methodology With the necessity for an in-depth and internal study, the Exploratory Case Study Research method (Yin, 1984; Whyte, 1989) is required. The main goals of an Exploratory Case Study Research are to investigate complex human phenomena and define further questions or hypothesis for a subsequent study. A Participatory Action-Research approach contributes towards building collective innovative processes whereby professional researchers, grassroots associations and other participants can work together as inter-mixed research groups (Lewin, 1958; Whyte, 1989).
why >> Complexity and the crisis of the democracy system. → the requests for changes in policies and politics and the need for participatory processes.
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what >> Urban practices "make the city".
Barcelona (Spain) - Fort Pienc neighborhood
Catania (Italy - Sicily) - San Berillo neighborhood
→ an expression of the right to the city The recognition of citizens' responsibility. → it opens up alternatives ways for communities and planners to influence current urban power structure. ●
create a place where all citizens are legitimate to be and discrimination should be tackled there
where >> In distressed areas of low-income neighborhoods.
Urban Practices & making and thinking the city
→ local activists and aid movements unite to fight against a lack of basic needs, discrimination and degrading conditions. ●
how>> This study proposes to co-produce knowledge. → encompassing the theme of urban practices through an action-research approach involving grassroots associations and experts.
Some notes and new questions These bottom-up initiatives concern the ordinary people that reclaim and make urban spaces through self-organized acts. Several experiences carried out by neighborhood associations have influenced the space and power relations within the city. These experiences show the Right to the City as a daily exercise in sharing responsibilities. On the one hand these practices have interesting repercussions on the city, on the other, is it possible that these generate unwanted effects, such as new gentrifications or exclusions? Reflecting on these emergent practices, which tools can be implemented in urban planning to facilitate socially engaged forms of learning which are capable of challenging the individualistic society?
reduce the economic and social segregation that is prevalent in many developed and developing cities
social inclusion by providing spaces for people of all socio‑economic backgrounds to use and enjoy
equitable distribution of public spaces within cities promote the social mixture of cities’ inhabitants.
keys prerequisite for the right to the city References Agyeman, J., Bullard, R. D., & Evans, B. (Eds.). (2003). Just sustainabilities: Development in an unequal world. MIT press. Bateson, G. (1972), Steps to an Ecology of Mind: Collected Essays in Anthropology, Psychiatry, Evolution, and Epistemology, University Of Chicago Press. Bergman N, Markusson N, Connor P, et al. (2010) Bottom-up, social innovation for addressing climate change. In: Energy Transitions in an Interdependent World: What and Where are the Future Social Science Research Agendas. Brighton, Sussex: University of Sussex. Fischer, F. (2009). Democracy and expertise: Reorienting policy inquiry. Oxford University Press. Geels FW, Hekkert MP and Jacobsson S (2008) The dynamics of sustainable innovation journeys. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 20(5): 521–536. Gorz, A. (2009). Ecologica (Vol. 867). Editoriale Jaca Book. Harvey, D. (2008). The right to the city. The City Reader, 6, 23-40. Lefebvre, H. (1967). Le droit à la ville. L'Homme et la société, 29. Lewin K. (1958), Resolving Social Conflicts, New York, Harper Whyte W. F. (1989), Advancing Scientific Knowledge Through Participatory Action Research, in Sociological Forum, 4(3), pp. 367-85. Yin, R. K. (2013), Case study research: Design and methods. Sage publications.
*Contacts: sara.altamore@gmail.com ; s.altamore@stud.iuav.it ; +39 3394778736