Photo: Art Monaco Portland via parking day.org

By definition public space should belong to the public. However, there are more and more examples of public spaces that are now privatised. This directly affects the influence of the ‘public’ on the space. Parts of the city that appear to be public can have unexpected rules that affect users' behaviour. It is not always clear who made these rules and why. Even more important is the question of how these spaces remain open to the public. Who decide whether a public space can be privatised? And how can ‘the public’ take back control?

With Idea Camp participant and R&D grantee Reem Khedr and Els Leclercq, Studio Aitken Urbanism. 

This event is in English and entrance is free.

Learn more about Reem Khedr's project City Castles/Invisible Shadows in the 1-minute video below. This idea is based on the need for new spaces for young artists and creatives together with the number of abandoned/unused buildings in Port Said, Egypt. The project aims to explore the possibilities of revitalising these unused buildings through artistic and cultural activities.

In this series, Public Space, organised by Pakhuis de Zwijger in collaboration with Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam and ECF, we take a closer look at the public space. The simple way to describe the public space is an open space that is accessible to people. However, the way public spaces are designed and function within a city is less straightforward. During three meet-ups on 6, 15 and 22 June 2016, we will discuss current themes and questions surrounding public spaces. What role does public space have in connecting communities? How can we make a climate adaptive public space? How can the public keep control over spaces that are becoming more privatised?