New Geographies, 12: Commons

The concept of commons has gained importance in urban studies since the 1960s, as it encompasses both material spaces like streets and parks and immaterial aspects like culture, knowledge, and language. It has helped reshape spatial imaginaries and challenge assumptions in design disciplines. NG 12 aims to foreground the significance of political thinking in space production and explore alternative social relations and modes of urbanization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: Harvard Graduate School of Design

The commons, as a contested political idea, has been intricately articulated and reproduced across numerous disciplines, each with its unique historical and geographical contexts. Since the 1960s, the concept of commons has gained increasing prominence in the field of urban studies, transcending its traditional perception as mere material spaces within cities. Rather, commons are now recognized as the intangible public realm encompassing a wide range of elements, including subaltern and mainstream culture, knowledge, language, and modes of sociality.

As the commoning process involves the transformation of both physical and virtual urban spaces, it has actively contributed to reshaping spatial imaginaries such as urban islands, archipelagos, and thresholds. This transformative power of the commons has prompted scholars to explore new ways of thinking about the production of space, expanding the concept of the commons beyond local and regional geographies to encompass a planetary scale.

In the issue of New Geographies, the concept of commons is proposed as a mode of thinking that challenges assumptions prevalent in design disciplines such as public and private spaces, local and regional geographies, and capital and state interventions. It seeks to broaden the production of space as the commons into a vast and interconnected territory, spanning from the intimate scale of the body to the interconnected material and immaterial spaces. By doing so, NG 12 aims to foreground the significance of political thinking in the process of space production, encouraging readers to envision alternative social relations and modes of urbanization.

The commons, as a contested political idea, has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of societies throughout history. From the shared resources of rural communities to the digital commons of the information age, the commons has played a vital role in shaping the social, economic, and environmental landscapes of our world. However, the commons is also facing significant challenges, including privatization, corporate control, and the erosion of public trust.

To address these challenges, it is essential to promote a renewed understanding and appreciation of the commons. This can be achieved through education, advocacy, and the creation of policies that protect and promote the commons. By doing so, we can ensure that the commons remains a vital resource for generations to come, providing a platform for collective action, innovation, and social progress.

In conclusion, the commons, as a contested political idea, has the power to transform the way we think about the production of space and the creation of sustainable communities. By embracing the commons as a mode of thinking and promoting its protection and expansion, we can build a more equitable and resilient world.

Weight: 718g
Dimension: 204 x 255 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781934510810