Often imagined as sites of encounter, dissent and collective life, public spaces worldwide are increasingly governed through logics of securitization and capital. In his classic essay “The End of Public Space?,” Don Mitchell draws on the redevelopment of Berkeley’s Peoples’ Park to demonstrate how an orderly, tightly controlled vision of the city displaces alternative ways of imagining and inhabiting public spaces. The dynamic Mitchell describes is more evident than ever: from concerns surrounding upcoming mega-events such as the LA Summer Olympics and World Cup to encampment clearance and crackdowns on street vendors, we have witnessed a narrowing of the definition and uses of public space to those that are undisruptive, sanitized, and in service of capital.
In the United States, the persistent threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has left many communities targeted by the current administration weary of accessing public spaces whatsoever. Outside of the US, crackdowns on prayer in public spaces such as parks, for example, show how restrictions on public space not only reinforce the capitalist status quo, but are often thinly-veiled mechanisms for targeting and disciplining immigrant and racialized communities.
In light of this, what is the role of planning in reclaiming public space? While mainstream planning plays a role in advocating for, protecting, and creating public spaces, who are these spaces for and how can they be used? What does it mean to radicalize planning practice and advocacy for public space so it can be safely accessed and used by all? For example, vital work is being done through grassroots movements to combat the ICE raids and protect fellow residents, as a form of bottom-up planning. Advocates have also served as mediators between the state and the public, ensuring that information about rights – and the abrogation of rights – is clearly and transparently communicated. Planners have a critical role to play in analyzing, communicating, and ultimately advocating for how public space is developed, regulated, and used.
It is with this in mind that we are seeking short submissions (roughly 1000 words) for our online magazine Progressive City: Radical Alternatives on the theme of “Keeping the ‘Public’ in Public Space” Contributions can approach this theme from a variety of perspectives, but should address the way public spaces are governed, restricted and/or policed, in addition to the role of planning in both enabling and contesting the enclosure of public space. Of special concern are policies, designs and practices that limit the use of public spaces, formally or informally, based on the race, gender, sexuality, disability and national origin of people.
Submissions should be written in an accessible (jargon-free) manner. A few suggested readings may be mentioned in the text (hyper-links to references are encouraged), but please do not submit footnotes. We encourage the submission of a photograph or illustration (with appropriate permissions). In addition to short essays, we welcome the submission of photo essays, videos, or other primarily visual forms. Please note that while we work with authors to help them fit the Progressive City style, format, and themes, we cannot accept all articles that have been submitted.
Please send submissions to [email protected] by March 16th.