Narratives of Appropriation
Abandoned Spaces, Entangled Stories and Profound Urban Transformations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7480/writingplace.6.6356Abstract
Based on a narrative inquiry, this article presents the stories of four women who are, individually and collectively, appropriating vacant and abandoned urban spaces, physically transforming them, providing them with new uses, while unleashing other processes that have the potential to lead to profound systemic transformations. Building on these stories, the article discusses the notion of appropriation, utilizing Henri Lefebvre’s writings. The key argument of the article is that, through the appropriation of these urban spaces, these women are asserting their right to the city and their right to challenge and participate in the processes of urbanization.
References
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Lexico English Dictionary (2021), definition of ‘appropriate’, lexico.com/definition/appropriate.
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A thorough description of this process was published in: Dalia Milián Bernal, ‘Temporary Uses of Vacant and Abandoned Urban Spaces in Latin America: An Exploration’, Nordic Association of Architectural Research: Proceedings Series (2020).
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The team of Taller Creando Sin Encargos has grown throughout the years, in 2013 the team was joined by Irvis G. and in 2016 Irmaris S. became a new member. To learn more about their work, see: tallercreandosinencargos.tumblr.com/.
Omarya Rivera Crespo, personal communication, 23 March 2018.
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A huerto is a small vegetable garden.
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The Asociación Residentes Machuchal Revive Inc. was registered on 16 October 2013. See: opencorporates.com/companies/pr/331376-121.
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Sofía Unanue, personal communication, 21 February 2018. For more information about La Maraña, visit: lamarana.org/.
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Copyright (c) 2022 Dalia Milián Bernalis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
