Jay Walljasper discusses the role of public spaces in recent protests and revolutions from Madison, Wisconsin to Cairo, Egypt.
In a post from Onthecommons.org, Walljasper acknowledges the important role played by social media in recent uprisings in the Middle East; however, Walljasper argues, "a much older form of commons in these revolts has earned scant attention-the public spaces where citizens rally to voice their discontent, show their power and ultimately articulate a new vision for their homelands."
Walljasper cites Cairo's Tahrir Square, Tripoli's Green Square, Bahrain's Pearl Square, and Tehran's Valiasr Square as examples of public places central to each country's uprisings.
To show the universality of the connection he makes between public space and protest, Walljasper also notes the current protests occurring in Madison, Wisconsin. These protests have centered around the state capitol.
The capitol in downtown Madison "was named by Project for Public Spaces as one of the great public spaces of the world." "This is truly the town square that early Americans imagined as the crux of democracy," the PPS website explains.
FULL STORY: From Middle East to Madison, Justice Depends on Public Spaces
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)