Protest in contested public space

This thesis is an investigation into the role that public(ly accessible) space plays in contemporary society. Exploring how these locations can be utilised as a platform to better understand the relationship between citizens and their representatives. The social, political and economically motivated activity which engages with this spatial potential is protest . This thesis will research the way in which locations which are recognised as spaces of congregation such as squares, markets, plaza and parks are intrinsically political, both in the way these locations come into being and the way that their presence is utilised by a politically active user group. In tandem, the thesis will also research locations with a more temporary association with socialisation, but are utilised by activists for their spatial significance when pertaining to a particular cause, complaint or agenda which sparks an idealistic conflict. These are spaces which, as inhabitants of the city we all transgress; such as streets, thoroughfares and intersections. They often come into tension with existing boundaries within the city, such as lines of ownership, and other tools used to subtly control the structure of urban territories which are shared through the necessities of urban life