The Black Spatial Imaginary in Urban Design Practice: Lessons for Creating Black-affirming Public Spaces

Abstract

University of Washington Abstract The Black Spatial Imaginary in Urban Design Practice: Lessons for Creating Black-affirming Public Spaces Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Rachel Berney Urban Design & Planning The spatial imaginary – as presented in this thesis – refers to an understanding of how we come to know what we know about space; and recognizes that to talk about society, politics, economics, culture, race, gender, the environment and so forth, inherently, is to talk about space. Identifying the role of the spatial imaginary in the urban design process can inform how public spaces are conceived of and produced. Dangerously, the dominance of a hegemonic white spatial imaginary in the United States has contributed to a public realm which has put Black belonging in public space at risk. In response, this thesis draws upon the concept of a Black spatial imaginary to re-evaluate the urban design process in the practice of creating Black-affirming public spaces. Focusing on public participation in the urban design process, this thesis asks, how can participatory community-driven design be used to create Black-affirming public spaces? And subsequently, what is the role of the designer in this collaboration? In doing so, the urban designer can be better equipped to practice equitable placemaking which not only supports the Black cultural experience but reinforces the democracy of the public realm.