How can we reimagine a public space that has been divided by civil war, sectarianism, and capitalist redevelopment? Rather than sophisticated urban design, Tanya Gallo argues that allowing public space to retain its indeterminacy, as in the traditional maidans of Arabic and Persian cities, will keep it accessible for all citizens to express their differences democratically.
Martyrs' Square was the focal point for the 2005 demonstrations that saw Syria relinquish control of Lebanon. How do its citizens now regard this polarising space, and how should placemakers respond? Tanya Gallo investigates.
While many are outraged, it is senseless for city leaders to sow further division and resentment by dismissing young looters, especially when the systemic causes have been hidden in plain sight for decades.
Abandoned by owners in the post-Apartheid years, 1,500 buildings in Johannesburg have turned into overcrowded tenements.
A spike in violence has followed the close of the World Cup, with many Zimbabweans returning home to escape harm. But, unlike in 2008, police were prepared to subdue violence and prevent it spreading.
A report on peacemaking efforts in the central Nigerian city of Jos, where the local community is building programmes to mediate conflicts before they turn to violence and trying to re-engage young men in employment and training.
Two new reports this week renew focus on the growing possibility of water crises emerging in developing-world cities, and suggests a few 'quick wins' to stave off these long-term threats with cheap, low-tech solutions.
A freelance writer, researcher and consultant on contemporary urbanism, with specific research interests including public space and the public realm…
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The Global Urbanist is an online magazine reviewing urban affairs and urban development issues in cities throughout the developed and developing world.
Its readers are drawn from the urban policy and international development sectors, and include urban planners, officers in local, national or international government agencies, civil society leaders, and researchers.
