Exploring the Public

This dissertation project aims at analysing public life in two Southern African cities after transition to democracy. It pays special attention to the historically inherited structure of the cities and privatisation of public space. Long-term field research is being conducted in Maputo, Mozambique, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background
New forms of urban space governance (gated communities, shopping malls, public-private partnerships), often related to discourses of fear, are a challenge to our concepts of public space and urbanity. In the academic discussion, a narrative of loss equates privatisation with a loss of urban public sphere and sees it as a threat to democracy. This project questions this deterministic view assuming urban residents’ agency and creativity in appropriating urban space.

Specific Objectives/Research Questions
With an actor-oriented approach avoiding normative concepts this projects wants to generate new insights in how the built environment influences urban public life.  Taking on a comparative approach, this study investigates how urban residents meet and interact within the fragmented cityscape of Johannesburg and Maputo. Special attention will be given to how social differentiation
influences participation in public life. A link to citizenship and political participation might emerge.

Methodology
In each city, public life in two urban districts with different socio-economic conditions will be investigated. The project adopts the Emic Evaluation Approach (EEA), which circulates the three complementary methods i) the mapping of public life, ii) practice analysis and iii) discourse analysis. These proceedings include a combination of different standard methods, i.e. construction of mental maps, photographic documentation, systematic observation, participation and interviewing.

Relevance
A better understanding of the relationship between privatisation of public space and public life will be of relevance to urban planning and management.

Keywords: public life, public space, privatisation, segregation, urban governance, Maputo, Johannesburg

Collaboration: Universidade Eduardo Mondlane