URD1510H S
Instructor(s): David Gouvernour, Ruth Mora, Alfred Landaeta
Meeting Section: L9101
Synchronous
Friday, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Borders can be defined in reference to physical limits, such as territorial demarcations, natural features, spatial separation. Boundaries instead, can transcend the physical and range from social, political, to racial limits. Both, speak of identity, power, politics, sovereignty, social and economic class, religion, etc.

As borders are created by human agency, different boundaries overlap in the same territory as geographical borders may not coincide with political or socio‐ economic boundaries, or ethnic identities. Depending on the border conditions (war, sovereign dispute, economic disparity, political system, urban condition, etc.) they can become more demarcated or on the contrary more fluid; de‐bordering or re‐bordering to deal with socio economic practices.

While globalization, has resulted in the blurring of geo‐political borders between countries (i.e European Union) mainly for economic purposes, formalizing a system that allows easy movement of people, capital and investment, informal systems have appeared, in contraposition defining new boundaries based on relational networks, the aggregation of traditionally disenfranchised groups, and the occupation and use of the territory outside the formal system of regulations, transactions, and exchange from which they have been excluded.

The complex layering, interrelations, and dependencies between all the elements (physical, cultural and human) that create urban environments, results in a fascinating combination of borders and boundaries from the overlapping body of regulations, policies and institutions that affect land uses, services, infrastructure, building typologies, land ownership, etc. with the dynamic nature of human perception, identity and community building. Formal and informal systems (recognized and un‐recognized) operate in a symbiotic way. The former through structures and regulations defines a frame of reference; the latter through de‐regulation, shared economy, and self organized systems, creates its own boundaries by adapting organically to the given conditions. An unstable equilibrium, a fragile balance that more often than not are the source of tension, conflict and even war.

Cities are the main destination for the majority of the world’s migrants, refugees, etc. yet they live facing intense social, economic, and racial discrimination, which stresses the importance of public space as a neutral place to promote and improve social life. In places where there is tension or instability placemaking helps to foster inclusive public spaces while art can help in the peacemaking process, introducing dynamics that aim to change people’s attitudes and remove unfounded fears and to create safe public spaces.

Art, defined in a larger context (artworks as objects, artwork as installations and artwork as events) has demonstrated to be in this dual/hybrid context one of the few resources for mediation when, all the other resources have been exhausted. Art has an important role in conflict negotiation of political and cultural boundaries; and although it cannot remediate all problems, it can create an emotional connection that enables people to express their views on wider cultural, social and political issues, challenging their perception and allowing ‐even if just temporarily‐a dialogue or a truce. By providing a voice, a way of expression beyond words, art provides an alternate and peaceful way of transaction and dialogue.

Art can engage people directly (participatory, interactive) or in a symbolic way, to provide meaning, a sense of belonging or a sense of place. Art can foster social connections, increase civic pride, promote interactions in the public space, raise awareness and improve health by providing a place for relief.

Now, more than ever, it has become evident that we are all connected. That the politically defined territories do little to divide us as human race. Today we stand equally vulnerable and witness the ‘six degrees of separation theory’ unfold in awe. It is urgent for us to understand, despite our differences, how our cities can adapt to new challenges.

'Borders and Boundaries’ is an initiative between Prof. David Gouverneur, Ruth Mora (SUMO project), and Alfredo Landaeta (UofT). It is of interest for students of Landscape Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Architecture, and Visual Arts.

The classes are based on case studies, which provide compelling examples of how Art and Urban design interact around the idea of borders and boundaries, territorial identity, and the dialectical relation between rigid and fluid forms organization. This course reveals the importance of multi‐scalar planning and design, interdisciplinary work, and the adaptation of theory and design principles contextual and cultural nuances.