Abstract:

The intersections between the politics of inside-outside, the conceptualization of contested heritage, and decolonizing the conceptualization of urban commons is an increasingly important consideration in the design of urban communities. By examining how different groups of society and marginalized communities can actively shape and challenge dominant narratives and power structures through the coproduction of liminal spaces, the UCD course considers how these spaces can serve as sites of resistance and can contribute to the decolonization of urban environments. Placing the focus on design ing and constructing community spaces that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse groups of people, the studio analyzes two comparative case studies in Europe and North America: Amsterdam and Houston. Issues of otherness, transnationality, globalization, migration, laboring class, ethnicity, and race play essential roles in the narratives of liminal spaces within these cities.

The politics of inside-Outside refers to the power dynamics at play in the relationships between different groups of people based on their location within a physical space. These spaces often blur the boundaries between what is considered inside or outside and can challenge traditional notions of belonging and exclusion. This can be particularly significant in the context of contested heritage, where different communities and groups of society may claim ownership or control over a particular space or site. The research delves into these contested locations and considers how these spaces can foster community cohesion, integration politics, and cultural exchange.

Credits:

This research is the outcome of a graduate level studio titled Urban Community Design led by Dr. Asma Mehan and part of the Co-Production of Liminal Spaces graduate project Taught at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX during the 2023 Spring semester, this course led to the creation of academic articles and an international exhibition at the 2023 Venice Biennale. This course and overall graduate project were co-led by Dr. Sina Mostafavi and assisted by Sarvin Eshaghi, Sepehr Vaez Afshar, Jessica Stuckemeyer, and Cole Howell in conjunction with another studio and two elective classes.