Reading ideological power representations through space: the tale of two cities Berlin and Ankara

Abstract

The study explores the entangled relationship between power dynamics and urban spaces particularly governmental spaces. Drawing from Foucault's conceptualization of power as a nuanced interplay of social processes, the research explores Berlin and Ankara's governmental structures and regarding urban plans while unveiling how power is manifested in built environments. However, rather than a comparative analysis, the study presents narratives of these cities since each reflects a unique historical contexts and power dynamics i.e. Berlin, is a historical centre of power, contrasting with Ankara, which presents republic's capital as a modernisation shift. The study uses, descriptive analysis and reveals how power is articulated within urban spaces and societal structures, while crystalising the shifts in political ideologies and their impact on governance structures. Therefore, study aims to investigate the role of urban planning and architecture in shaping power dynamics in relation to ideologies whether represented openly or subtle within the urban realm. The research, following descriptive analysis for the subjected cities, draws on secondary data as its primary source, and interprets the data through the lens of Lefebvre's dialectic of production of space and Dovey's investigations into power dynamics within the built environment, along with other contributions to the urban space and power literature. Ultimately, urban planning and architecture serve as representations of power, shaping societal narratives and identities. The study underscores the significance of understanding these narratives to comprehend the societal impacts of governance structures and power dynamics over time.