THE (UN)COMMONS
AS CARTOGRAPHIC EXPLORATIONS OF URBAN SPACE
Modern cities are conceived with the idea of fostering communal living for the inhabitants, including humans and non-humans ; where the concept of the city (civitas) emerges as a product of community (communis) rooted in the notion of commons. Architecture, acting as a mediator, has historically facilitated the sharing of commons throughout the modern ages, with an inherent expectation of inclusivity and democracy. However, the expansion of capitalist urban landscapes and shifts in power dynamics have precipitated crises in the commons ingrained in society. Consequently, contemporary cities bear witness to a process of being (un)commons through design, initially intended to mediate inclusiveness in shared spaces.
​
This workshop centers on exploring the dissolution of commons across diverse urban landscapes, including London, Tokyo, New York, and Istanbul. The workshop endeavors to cartographically represent spaces where this dissolution of the commons is most pronounced, particularly within public spheres.
​
​
WHO CAN JOIN?
Participants can have diverse backgrounds, including design, architecture, or related fields.
​
WHICH MATERIALS YOU NEED?
A smartphone and/or computer will be enough to conduct the workshop.
​
WHAT IS THE SCOPE?
-
Identifying the elements of urban space contributing to the dissolution of commons in selected locations based on power dynamics, social injustice, and capitalist urban policies.
-
Critical analysis of the current situation in cities.
-
Imagine future alternatives, envision alternative approaches by raising awareness and addressing the crisis in the commons through design.
​
SCHEDULE (31 MAY-10 JUNE 2024)
4th of June 2024 - Tuesday // Lectures
5th of June 2024 - Wednesday // Site Visits (Virtual or On-site)
7th of June 2024 - Friday // Discussions and Visualizations
10th of June 2024 - Monday // Final Discussion
14th of June 2024 - Friday // Exhibition Material Submissions
​
Each day, there will be daily catch-up sessions for around 1 hour.
​
​
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Exploration of Urban Spaces: Participants will engage in a deep exploration of urban spaces, including cities like London, Ä°stanbul, New York, and Tokyo. Through discussions, presentations, and potentially field visits (Google Street View or on-site), they will examine how these cities have evolved and how the concept of the commons has been dissolved or transformed over time.
​
Cartographic Representation: The workshop will involve hands-on activities focused on the exclusive elements of urban space by following the existing traces in the cities. Participants may work individually or in groups to create maps, diagrams, or other visual representations that depict the spatial distribution of those exclusive elements and the impact of their dissolution on urban environments.
​
Critical Analysis: Through guided discussions and presentations, participants will critically analyze the factors contributing to the disintegration of commons in modern cities, such as capitalist urbanization, power dynamics, and social inequalities. They will explore the implications of these factors on community well-being, social cohesion, social justice, social sustainability, inclusion, and equality with the built environment.
​
Imagining Future Alternatives: Building on the analysis of existing urban challenges, participants will engage in creative brainstorming sessions to imagine alternative futures for cities. The expected outcome of the study is raising awareness and producing innovative approaches and future acts.
WORKSHOP TUTORS
​
Busra Dilaveroglu:
Architect and academician from Ä°stanbul and London. As an architect and academician holding a Ph.D. in architectural design, my research interests span material theory, the philosophy of architecture, space, cinema, and the agents influencing space. Currently, my research endeavors are conducted at the Royal College of Art in London within the School of Architecture.
Burcu Nimet Dumlu:
Interior Architect by education from Istanbul and based in Tokyo, researcher of more than ten years in architectural design computing and media design with the topics of extended reality, user experience, human perception, narrative space, and the intersection of architecture-neuroscience-VR, and continues graduate studies in Tokyo.
​
Tulay Karakas is an architectural researcher who graduated from universities in Izmir, Venice, and Istanbul. She is passionate about human-centered, research-based, and science-informed approaches in architecture to create a better environmental experience. Inspired by neuroscience studies that indicate the possibility of wiring or rewiring our neurons through the environment, she is determined to make a positive impact through her work. She holds a doctoral degree in architecture and neuroscience, focusing on the built environment's impact on the human brain and responses.
​
binbirguzergah is a non-profit architectural initiative that creates a platform for designers, architects, and other actors to gather and build/share knowledge.