The Occupy Wall Street movement has put a spotlight on US Constitutional rights to freedom of assembly. Where and how can people congregate publicly today? Whose voices are heard? What factors limit the participation of people of color? Three dozen social scientists, planners, architects, artists, and civil liberties experts explore the definition, use, role, and importance of public space for the exercise of democratic rights to free expression in a time of profound social change. This original, foundational work puts issues of democracy and civic engagement back into the center of dialogue about the built environment.

Key Features

• Timely resource for activists, policy makers, professionals, students, and educators interested in issues of free speech, public space, equity, and democracy.
• Contributors reflect on Occupy Wall Street presence in New York City and beyond.
• Professionals and policy makers counter the repressive and violent responses to legitimate public protest with a reasoned outcry and suggest practical and openhearted alternatives.
• Book is tied to a national policy initiative that includes a traveling exhibit, public forums, academic projects, and study groups supported by two dozen institutions.

Background

Beyond Zuccotti Park is a collaborative effort of the Center for Architecture, AIA New York Chapter, City College of New York School of Architecture, and Pratt Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment, working together with New Village Press and its parent organization, Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility. The book is part of an open civic inquiry on the part of these organizations. The project was seeded by a series of free public forums—Freedom of Assembly: Public Space Today—held at the Center for Architecture in response to the forced clearance of Occupy activities from Zuccotti Park and public plazas throughout the country. The first two recorded programs took place on December 17, 2011 and February 4, 2012.

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