Recalling the Political in Public Space

Abstract

The history of public space is often the same history as discrimination and revolts. It is because public spaces are intended to be open-ended, in order for the public to enjoy and express themselves. In societies where the government is put in place and supported by its people, this same government maintains and celebrates public space as a demonstration of the vitality and political health of its citizenry. In this sense, public spaces are supposed to function as receptors designed to absorb and modulate the full range of expressions of the societies they serve, from celebratory events to difficult forms of questioning. This vital function of public space has evolved over time. It has been emptied out and replaced with a number of deviant forms and contents. While it is undeniable that societies around the world are generally more tolerant and enlightened about the human condition, it is still critical to realize that we have to put the political functions of society back into public spaces, and not turn ambivalent towards them…