Processes in the construction of public space: bottom up versus topdown processes. Informal spaces and alternative uses

Abstract

A critical review of different urban actions that are taking place in Europe (with special emphasis in the case of Spain) and Latin America, and that are an alternative to the public sector in urban planning. Some of the most common actions are the occupation of empty sites, urban gardens, ephemeral transformations of public space for social and recreational uses, and other practices that generally respond to citizens¿s real needs in depressed neighborhoods and impoverished urban areas. These practices constitute effective responses with little means adapted to the current socio-economic situation that imply austerity in public resources and an optimization in the use of technological tools within easy reach by both, professionals and citizens. They are made possible by the network connectivity resulting in collective actions in the physical space.