Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Malmö has often been described as a segregated city, with relatively low democratic participation and high poverty and alienation. Behind this kind of statements we often find a material reality, with unequal distribution of assets and potentials that needs to be taken into consideration for political action. At the same time this categorisation of people into different groups can take stigmatising effects and result in increased inequality.
I find the theoretical basis for my thesis in Lefebvre’s writings on “the right to the city”, that shortly means that all inhabitants of a city have the right to take active part in the constantly ongoing process of producing and reproducing the city – on all levels, from a hands-on everyday life level to a more abstract political level.
With an interdisciplinary approach, where the right to the city is discussed in relation to citizenship, presence, representation and public space, I try to understand the connections between democracy, participation, justice and equality. These discussions are then applied to examples from Malmö; both publically initiated projects and individual physical markings in the city. The professional role and possibilities of (landscape) architects is also discussed.
Parallel to the theoretical discussions, I also retell some of my experiences and thoughts from a practical attempt to implement some of the ideas of the right to the city. This was done through a workshop with 16-17 year olds – a workshop that (albeit small in extent) adds a lot to my thesis through practical lessons.
Since the right to the city is formulated as a collective and not individual right, we cannot say to have implied it unless all citizens are included. Individual markings or joint actions from groups of individuals need instead to be seen as manifestations of a desired right to the city; as protests or attempts to create change.
To increase democratic participation and equality (both material and political), we need to create better opportunities to interact with and in the city. Temporary uses of space could be a way of enhancing inclusion, as well as physical change that guide social change. Public space need to be seen as the key to democracy. Public initiatives can help but never replace a collective realisation of the right to the city.
Keywords: democracy, justice, equality, right to the city, participation, public space, youth, Malmö, planning, landscape architecture