Spaces of Conflict
Our built environment has always been affected and transformed by conflict.Consequently, design professionals are directly or indirectly influencing the processes of conflict through infrastructural development, urban and architectural interventions, planning policies, and public space making. By bringing together scholars, educators, researchers, and practitioners, we aim to debate, exchange ideas, and theoretical perspectives on the role of space in relation to different forms of conflict.
The Spaces of Conflict conference is organized as part of the 50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970 event at Kent State where the Ohio National Guard shot four of the KSU students and injured nine during the demonstration event against the US war in Vietnam and Cambodia. This event triggered many nationwide protests and demonstrations in other universities. The day-long event is followed by the launch of the exhibition which will be held at The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University on Friday, October 25, 2019.
The topics of contribution can include but are not limited to:
- Role of architectural and urban spaces in socio-political movements
- Urban violence and informality
- Mapping and visualizing techniques used in representing conflict
- Spatial repertoires of contention
- Politics of remembrance and visibility
- Role of social media and virtual public sphere in relation to conflict
- Walls, fences, and barricades
- Occupation of public space and the making of autonomous zones, cities within cities
- Borders, camps, and spaces of refugees
- Wars and ruins
- Fortified urban spaces
- Public space and the right to the city