Crises, Conflicts, Contradictions: (re)thinking the meaning of public space in cities
Online from 14 February to 06 March 2024
The upcoming edition of the Planning Theory Lecture Series (TU Berlin) addresses the constantly renewing negotiations of the meaning of public space in cities. In the context of the current social change, we want to take a critical look at multiple challenges that can sometimes have contradictory implications for the diverse dimensions of public space. For example, the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to social isolation through lockdowns and social distancing policies while at the same time public spaces have been (re)discovered as places of encounter and interaction. On the other hand, the increasing pressure of the ongoing capitalization of cities has led to growing inequality, which find expression in the form of political tensions and protests in public spaces that are often countered with severe state control and repression. By focusing on the transformations and contradictions of public spaces, we want to discuss how its role has been (re)defined by various crises and how we might overcome the existing and future challenges.
The lecture series is organised by the Chair of Planning Theory and Analysis of Urban and Regional Policies of the Institute of Urban and Regional Planning (TU Berlin) and addresses scholars, students, and the interested public.
PROGRAMME
14.02.24 “Dirty looks”: An interdisciplinary perspective to question the meanings of public space by Paolo Grassi, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca
21.02.24 Public space is not common space: Mapping (potential) spatial commons in Berlin byDagmar Pelger, Universität Kassel
27.02.24 Planetary public space. Scale, context, and politics by Jason Luger, Northumbria University Newcastle
06.03.24 Conflict and contradiction: Young people’s territoriality in public space by Mattias de Backer, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
14 February – 06 March 2024, Wednesdays 5:00-6.30 pm (CET)
ZOOM: tu-berlin.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Aqc-6qpz4uHtLMVH2QCZVvBYiFsxGc94de
Meeting ID: 647 4729 5446
Passcode: 140224
Information & Contact:
The Landscape 