Seminar series “Transformative Agencies in/for Contested Spaces”

The series of seminars “𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧/𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬” is curated by Irene Bianchi, Maryam Karimi and Alice Buoli and funded by Craft DAStU Competence Centre and the PhD Programs in Urban Planning, Design, and Policy and Preservation of the Architectural Heritage (DAStU-Polimi). 

Each seminar explores transformative pathways that aim at anti-fragile horizons in contested and conflictual urban contexts, deepening how spatial disciplines can support change processes in the face of uncertainty and complexity. Through examples and case studies, the series explores the development of resilient and inclusive frameworks such as policies, plans, and projects. Engaging diverse agents, including public administrations, professionals, and researchers with different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds, the series aims to create a shared space for reflection and dialogue. This seminar series pursues a threefold objective: (i) to support reflection in/on action in vulnerable and contested urban spaces, fostering critical thinking about if and how to intervene in challenging situations; (ii) to facilitate and expand mutual capacity-building beyond the expert-practitioner divide and (iii) to activate a “training mission” involving younger generations and scholars. Its modular structure allows for future contributions to various urban contexts and dimensions under the same “umbrella” thematic framework.

The three seminars are:

The first seminar on the 25th of October 2024 with, titled “Transformative Agencies in/for Contested Spaces: Regenerating Difficult Heritage,” is curated by Alice Buoli and Oana Cristina Tiganea.

The seminar aims to unfold the link between tools and practices for regenerating/intervening in disrupted and divided urban contexts and the role of tangible urban heritage, questioning their static and “neutral” character and, thus, considering them as dynamic and evolving entities that assume an active role in the critical inquiry, subversion, and transformation of present and future urban environments. The event is organized in synergy with the book presentation of “Territorial Fragilities in Cyprus. Planning and Preservation Strategies” (Springer, 2023), edited by Alice Buoli and Oana Cristina Ţiganea to be planned on the same day. 

The second seminar, which is planned to be taken in October 2024 and is titled Transformative Agencies in/for Contested Spaces: Envisioning Recovery, is curated by Irene Bianchi. 

The seminar explores recovery planning and presents all the strategic and operative challenges of urban planning “compressed in time.” In contexts affected by large-scale destruction, particular significance is placed on the effort to (re)imagine future cities and territories amidst total uncertainty and the continuous evolution of conflict dynamics. What should be preserved, and what should be rebuilt or “reinvented”? Which needs should be considered and prioritized? Whose knowledge should be included to support anti-fragile action? Which tools could be activated to mobilize resources and rebuild local (physical and relational) networks? The seminar will reflect on these interrogatives, starting from the experience of the Ukrainian research and professional collective “ReStart Ukraine”.

The third seminar, which is planned to be taken in January 2025 and is titled Transformative Agencies in/for Contested Spaces: Including Invisibilities, is curated by Maryam Karimi. 

The seminar explores conflicts that often arise within invisible spaces, revealing the intersection of the right to the city and the right to opacity. It examines the expressions of solidarity found in newcomers’ everyday experiences in urban environments while also questioning state migration policies. Academic researchers, activists, and municipal staff discuss the rise of “solidarity cities” and “fearless cities,” which challenge national migration policies by promoting the inclusion of newcomers at the urban level.

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