Clothing consumption practice and its impact on the transformation of “public space”. Vía primavera, El Poblado, Medellín (original) (raw)
Related papers
Use and appropriation as the everyday design of public space in the Bexiga Neighbourhood (são paulo)
Culture and Territory, 2020
Bexiga is a historic and popular neighbourhood in São Paulo, situated between the 'old' city centre and the well-known banking district of Avenida Paulista. The public spaces in Bexiga thrive, despite disinvestment and lack of formal urban design initiatives. While some authors attest an ongoing dereliction of duty by the city administration towards this traditional neighbourhood, others celebrate the relative preservation of Bexiga's architectural and cultural heritage. It is between neglect and resistance as social spaces that Bexiga's public spaces are shaped. This chapter explores the collective nature of everyday use and its role not only as creator of the neighbourhood's public spaces but also as designer of these spaces, albeit in latent form, through processes of use and appropriation. This rather informal character is addressed from the perspective of historical-critical research on the collective construction and evolution of Bexiga's public spaces. Such informality provides juxtapositions of past and present, as well as of change and continuity. Led by an empirical field research, this chapter analyses the construction of public space through use and appropriation. Findings reveal that the informal character of public space implies a more fluid spatiality and relies significantly on its temporality and its collective character. The dynamics of everyday design is the result of a range of organised and impromptu actions, in such a way that an organised event can endure unexpected uses in the surrounding areas, embodying a fluid public space. There is an underlying logic in the location of these spaces, close to housing and cultural hubs. It is the persistent everyday repetition of ephemeral acts of use and appropriation that creates and designs vibrant living public spaces in the neighbourhood. This creation plays an important role in the cultural preservation of Bexiga, acting as a reinforcement of its collective origins and character.
Jardines: A Decolonial approach at Fashion and Reconciliation in Colombia
Fashion Studies, 2024
The “Jardines” project represents an interdisciplinary intersection between fashion, sustainability, and social transformation in the Colombian context. Born from a collaboration between academic institutions and sustainable brands, with the active participation of the Avanza Cooperative, composed of former FARC guerrilla members, this project aims to reflect on the conventional narratives of the fashion industry. Through a decolonial lens, “Jardines” proposes a discussion regarding design and production practices that move away from Eurocentric patterns. Sustainability, both in terms of ecological practices and social inclusion, is central to this endeavor. The project not only incorporates sustainable techniques in textile production but also promotes co-creation and the active participation of communities through dialogue and recognition of territory. Interdisciplinarity is manifested in the combination of ethnographic methodologies, fashion design, and sociological reflections, culminating in the creation of the “Jardines” documentary and various transmedia content, as image and photography play an important role in this process. This film acts as a visual testimony to the confluence of fashion, sustainability, and reconciliation, offering a unique perspective on social transformation through fashion in Colombia.
New Public Open Spaces and Old Prejudices: Public Space Uses in the Centre of Medellín
2013
Since the beginning of the 2000s, Medellín/Colombia has undergone a well-publicised urban transformation, both in the city centre and in the peripheral informal settlements, turning the city from one of the most dangerous hotspots of a drug-related armed conflict into a showcase for inclusive urban upgrading. This change has not only benefitted the city’s inhabitants but also improved Medellín position as tourist attraction and target for international investment. Successive mayors and their administrations have invested in the iconic design and upgrading of public spaces, mobility infrastructure as well as educational facilities. Combining participatory practices, trans-institutional collaboration and transparency with high-quality design has been an emphasis in the upgrading strategy. The “recuperation” and “reinterpretation” of public space as a “safe space for all” have been another focal point in the transformation process. Educational performances, celebrations and events in t...
El parque de mi barrio : production of consumption of open spaces in popular settlements in Bogotá
2010
This research aims to contribute to the debate on informal or popular settlements by viewing them as an opportunity to understand different ways of seeing and thinking about the city. Open spaces in popular settlements, like the housing stock, are to a large extent the product of local self-help and self-managed processes, however, the equivalent level of understanding has not been achieved, partly because they are often seen as spare spaces with little value. Open spaces in popular settlements are public in terms of ownership and accessibility, but are communal in terms of use and attachment. They play an important role in the physical and social dynamics of the barrios since their inception, however the improvement and consolidation of such spaces may not be realised for many years. Having the opportunity to do the doctorate was a professional, family and personal experience. In this sense, it could not have been accomplished without the participation of a large number of people who over the years gave me their support, sympathy and solidarity. Firstly, my principal supervisor, Dr Peter Kellett, a person with the highest academic and personal qualities. He was always ready to discuss and confront my ideas; but also to offer guidance, support and advice on arguably any theme and concern. I am also in debt with my second supervisor, Dr Graham Tipple, who revised my work several times and made important suggestions. In the University of Newcastle, and in particular in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL), many contributed directly and indirectly with comments, ideas and recommendations. The SAPL seminars were especially important, in which I had the chance to present and discuss my work and receive feedback from lecturers and colleagues; and the "Dr Kellett"s seminars" in which PhD students supervised by him discuss and debate our work. This not only proved to be useful and encouraging, but also gave us the chance to build our friendships which I have no doubt will last. In practical terms the opportunity to do the doctorate was thanks to the ALBAN Programme, and the Javeriana University. The European Union Programme of High Level Scholarships for Latin America, ALBAN, contributed significantly to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Similarly the Javeriana University in Bogotá, under the "Formacion del Profesor Javeriano" programme, provided me with additional funds towards the costs of studying and living in UK. I am deeply grateful to these institutions for having supported me, not only in financial terms, but also with advice and information access. This was especially important in the case of "La Javeriana" which through the School of Architecture and Design in the head of its two Deans (Academic and Welfare), contributed to the successful completion of my studies. As important as the financial support, was the emotional and everyday sustenance. This was given by my family, both in Newcastle and Bogotá. My wife, Celia, and my daughter Laura Valentina, were constant in their support and companionship. The three of us undertook this "adventure" of living and experiencing a different country, and although it was not always easy, we all found our way, learned and enjoyed the experience. But my parents and sister in Bogotá; Hector, Esperanza and Iliana, were also very important. They were not in Newcastle, but it was as if they were; their permanent communication and interest helped us very much. We did not lack anything, thanks to them. Beyond any doubt, the support of my loving family in Newcastle and Bogotá was the most decisive input to finish my studies positively. Some words are deserved to all the people I met over the years in Newcastle. Arguably they were important because they showed me something different from my daily study routine, and in that sense helped me to balance the study experience, and offered me a broader understanding of the city and its social dynamics. First, the Latin American community in Newcastle, almost invisible at the beginning but once you find one, you find them all. Sharing language, food, weather complaints and nostalgic images were the main plans; paradoxically these helped me to connect with the city and with my own country at the same time! The sports groups in which I took part were also important: "The City of Newcastle Swimming Team", "The Claremont Road Runners", and "The Newcastle Outdoor Activities Group", they were of full of good people, although many times I did not have a clue what they were talking about in their "Geordie" accent. Last but not least, my deepest thanks to the people in the barrios of Bogotá, who openly and kindly offered me their ideas and comments to carry out my research. Don Arturo,
What is ‘space’ for dress? Theoretical considerations of a spatial turn for fashion studies
International Journal of Fashion Studies, 2021
This article seeks to contribute to the increasing body of fashion scholarship focused on space. Along with a spatial turn in human and social sciences, it is increasingly recognized by fashion researchers that spaces and places of fashion matter – but it is less discussed how a theoretical framework could be created to explore these. Thus, a Lefebvrian spatial analysis is considered here. The approach suggested recognizes that dress is fundamentally political, as is the space which it inhabits. Dressed bodies are subject to hegemonic ideologies, but individuals have the power to resist these, too. Some parameters of a spatialized fashion sociology and what benefits such an approach can bring for fashion scholarship more generally are considered. Dress should be understood as spatial practice, which in its turn creates spaces and realities, too. Such a framing allows for analysis of various spaces dressed bodies move through, and of how garments operate in these. Furthermore, it all...
Reclaiming Public Space: Case Study Citayam Fashion Week, Jakarta
International scientific and practical conference: "Development of creative industries in the modern world", 2024
Central Jakarta is often associated with its upper-class, glamorous image as if there is no space for the middle-lower or marginalised people. However, in June 2022, a viral phenomenon occurred in one place in Dukuh Atas, Central Jakarta, namely Citayam Fashion Week. Using the pedestrian crossing as their catwalk, teenagers and young adults from the outskirts of Jakarta showcased their street-style fashion, thus reclaiming public spaces that were once inaccessible to them, breaking the glamorous image of Central Jakarta to be a more inclusive city. This research tries to analyse Dukuh Atas' spatial elements, which allowed such a phenomenon to be successful. Study shows that urban spatial elements with better proximity, interface, and permeability can shape people's perceptions about space that influence their behaviour or activity.
Convivial Clothing: Engagement with Decommodified Fashion in Portland, OR
In a capitalist system demanding perpetual accumulation, producers invest significant resources into proving the superiority of new products over existing ones. When the normative concept is "better" rather than "good," consumers can never reach a sense of sufficiency. One countermovement is that of degrowth. Degrowth scholars advocate for a voluntary and democratic transition to a post-growth future. This thesis contributes to the emerging literature on degrowth by examining alternatives to "fast fashion," an industry with a huge environmental impact and notoriously high turnover. Drawing on participant observation and semi-structured interviews with participants in Portland, Oregon's clothing swaps and Repair Cafés, which are free, volunteer-run repair pop-ups, this paper brings citizens' understandings of their engagement with fashion into the degrowth framework. It asks the following research questions: How do participants in RepairPDX and clothing swaps conceptualize their participation? To what extent do these understandings align with the ideals of degrowth and decommodification? I discuss the themes of expense, pleasure and community, and consumption and waste, and argue that mending and swapping are decommodified practices that run counter to capitalist market society, maximizing autonomy and equality, and minimizing the market's tendencies towards environmental degradation. This study addresses gaps in the literatures on mending, alternative consumption, post-purchase consumer practice, and contributes to the growing body of degrowth literature.
Revista U.D.C.A Actualidad & Divulgación Científica, 2014
Public space is in an integral part of the cultural richness of cities, and an essential element in the functioning of a democratic society. Made up of the networks of streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas, public space is what makes urban centers living entities. Though its importance is consistently recognized around the world, public space in Latin America has held a special role in society. In the context of Colombia, the role of public space has been shaped not only by its function as a gathering space for citizens, but it has been marked by decades of armed conflict. It was in this context in Colombia that the construction of major shopping malls emerged, becoming an increasingly important part of the commercial sector of Colombian cities, and, according to some authors, providing an alternative ‘public’ space in which citizens could gather. This study, through a review of the literature and a survey, summarizes some of the changes that have occurred in the urban public realm of Bogotá in the past decades, and hypothesizes the role that major commercial centers are playing in the daily lives of the city’s residents.
The Production of Informal Urban Space: the Barrios of Bogota
Chapter in Book: Researching the Contemporary City: Identitity, Envirnment and Social Inclusion in Developing Urban Areas, 2013
Open spaces and housing in informal settlements are largely produced and transformed by the users – the people themselves. But by contrast with housing, there is limited information and understanding about open space processes. This chapter examines these spaces in terms of how they are designed, built, managed, transformed and sustained, along with the role of locals and other actors. Using data from two case study barrios in Bogotá, the production of informal urban space is explored. ‘Informal settlements are by definition unfinished projects in which the agency and creativity of the occupant-builders is central’ (Kellett, 2008: 11). Kellett sums up two characteristics of these settlements: first, the production of space in these settlements is a permanent transformation process; and secondly, the involvement of local people is crucial in this production. The production of informal space is largely steered by the people. Lefebrve (1991: 286) argues that ‘space is permeated with social relations; it is not only supported by social relations but it is also producing and produced by social relations.’ Therefore ‘social space “incorporates” social actions, the actions of subjects both individual and collective who are born and who die, who suffer and who act’ (ibid.: 3). But the production of space is also mediated by consumption, as according to Harvey (1996) production and consumption processes work in a dialectical relationship. Therefore, production and consumption are part of the same spatial transformation process. Low (1996) argues that the social production of space includes more than social actions, but also economic, ideological, and technological expressions that affect the physical creation of the material setting. Harvey (1996: 21) goes further and argues that there is a reciprocal relationship between production and product; however, he advises that ‘we should focus on processes rather than things and we should think of things as products of processes’. In the same respect Lefebvre (1991: 36) states: ‘If space is a product, our knowledge of it must be expected to reproduce and expound the process of production.’ It can be argued, therefore, that the production, consumption and product of social space can be seen as interconnected elements, each being the consequence of the other (and vice-versa), all within a social, economic, ideological and technological context. Open spaces in the barrios exemplify these inter-relationships, and the chapter aims to focus on one of these elements, the production of space, however the two other interconnected elements must be kept in mind and will be referred to when necessary.