Structuring and Planning Public Space based on Right to Protest: Comparing Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square and Taksim Square

Aynaz Lotfata

doi:10.5296/ijch.v6i1.14974

Abstract

Structuring and Planning Public Space based on Right to Protest: Comparing Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square and Taksim Square

Highlights

Research Problem: Planning based on the socio-spatial behaviors of a diversity of users from protest movements contributes to the construction of an inclusive and democratic public space
Since democracy requires physical space and particular physical arrangements, ‘how do people in the protest movement reconstruct the existing physical arrangement into a democratic public space?’ or ‘how do people organize an unlivable place into a place of everyday protest?’ as in Tahrir Square and Taksim-Gezi Park, which became arenas for the plays of actors, for the organization of workshops, and for the provision of medical needs and meals for protestors
As democratic cultures linked to new protest movements circulate globally, I reassess the relationship that exists between the form of public space and democracy

Summary

Introduction

Research Problem: Planning based on the socio-spatial behaviors of a diversity of users from protest movements contributes to the construction of an inclusive and democratic public space. In non-violent protest, people arrange space in an innovative way to express their voice, as was seen recently in Taksim Square in 2013, Tahrir Square in 2011 and Zuccotti Park in 2011.

Results

Conclusion