Cities for the People: Evaluating Democratic Spatial Practices in Bogotá and New York City

Abstract

The essence of public space has been perpetually challenged at the behest of corporate interests, globalization pressures, and neoliberal policies, resulting in excessive privatization and surveillance of space. This thesis argues that the effects of neoliberal policies have significantly altered the appearance and maintenance of public space. The goal of the research was to gain a deeper understanding how neoliberalism is reflected in the quality of public space and to determine the nature and perception democratic spatial practices in the two cities. To inform this qualitative study, interviews and surveys were conducted through Reddit to engage with residents of each city and ascertain their firsthand experiences in their respective public realms. Determining the extent of neoliberalist practices in each of these cities can inform policymakers, planners, and public space activists that wish to resist against an encroachment on the public space.