Categorization of the Urban Commons
Résumé
This paper aims at a categorization of urban commons using different definitions and typologies found in the existing literature. Such an exercise draws its justification from the incredible variety of commons composing society nowadays. These commons can range from elements of natural capital used by humans, such as waterways, to highly sophisticated citizen initiatives meant as alternative governance structures to go beyond the frequently unsatisfactory dichotomy of the government’s regulatory reach and private profit motive of enterprise. Their huge differences notwithstanding, either type of commons can be found in cities and play a useful role in climate-change mitigation or adaptation, arguably over the long haul the most pressing challenge faced by the majorities of cities in the world. In this chapter we will distinguish between different types of commons in the urban setting along two different vectors, ultimately yielding a 3 x 3 urban-commons categorization matrix at the end. The first track
identifies urban commons on the basis of their purpose, whether ecological, social, or immaterial. And the second criterion of classification deals with access to such urban commons – whether civic, community, or private.
Domaines
Sciences de l'Homme et Société
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
