Retaking the Commons: Public Space and Heritage for Sustainable Cities

As cities develop and grow, green spaces, heritage sites, parks, and historic neighborhoods have come under increasing pressure. While common pool resources are held in the public trust, who governs them? Who advocates for them, and who enjoys them? Using economic, social, environmental and cultural lenses, this course explores how maintaining civic spaces, protecting heritage resources, and re-imagining the role of ¿public goods¿ in the life of a city can yield more sustainable and beneficial outcomes. We also consider best practices from UNESCO and UN HABITAT, and the crucial role of citizenship and democracy. Recommended field work in Hong Kong in September 2017