Politics, Protest + Place – The role of inclusive Urbanism in Civic Activism . Graphic Credit: Janki Shah
On June 5th when Mayor Bowser painted “Black Lives Matter” on 16th Street NW in front of the White House and as a temporary fence transformed into a makeshift billboard, it became abundantly clear that the appearance and design of public space can itself be an act of protest and speech. During the recent protest, people expressed their resentment and frustration by reclaiming space through art, text, removal of iconic statues and renaming of squares throughout the city, which brought an extraordinary transfiguration of space by symbolizing unity and hope. We seek to examine ways in which the physical environment of cities can participate and promote civic engagement, sharing in the life of the community and activism in our national capital - Washington, DC.
The Crook Point Bascule Bridge is a steel railway drawbridge that once connected Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood to the City of East Providence across the Seekonk River. The bridge—which is also referred to as the Seekonk River Drawbridge or Crook Point Bridge—is currently unused and fixed in the upright position. Since 1976, when the bridge and tunnel were abandoned, Providence residents and visitors have been fascinated by the bridge, as a symbol of Providence’s industrial past and as a sculptural element of the city’s skyline.
