Although their immobility in spatial and temporal context, monuments are far from being passive observers. Monuments play an active role in shaping the narrative of their surroundings through their...Show moreAlthough their immobility in spatial and temporal context, monuments are far from being passive observers. Monuments play an active role in shaping the narrative of their surroundings through their visual presence and symbolic significance. They contribute to an understanding of the world, evoke emotions and ignite discussions about history, identity, and values. In some cases, monuments themselves become subjects of debate and controversy. This thesis explores the symbolism and meaning of the Columbus Circle monument in New York as a 'site of memory’, across the lifespan of the monument. In recent years, the Columbus Circle monument in New York City has become a focal point of intense scrutiny and discussion. As the perception of the famous Christopher Columbus has shifted over time, certain groups find that the monument should be removed, recontextualized or replaced. The case serves as a reminder that monuments are not static containers of the past as they are influenced by ongoing processes that shape them as sites of memory. This thesis will examine the meaning and symbolism of the monument over its lifetime thorough a careful analysis of archival material on the monument, which provides valuable insights into the way people engage with the monument, and into opinions and meanings that shaped its significance. Utilizing the theoretical frameworks of collective memory and sites of memory, this study seeks to uncover meaningful connections, patterns, and interpretations that address the research question. This thesis will conclude that the Columbus Circle monument in New York has undergone a complex evolution in its symbolism and meaning, explained into three discernible phases: the process of construction, the dynamics of contestation, and the transformative nature of its meaning and symbolism. Finally this thesis will contemplate about monumentality and its implications, as societies change and statues no longer represent a current consensus.Show less
This paper examines the historical and theoretical background of the anti-kraak and its relation to the status of squatting in the Netherlands. Both phenomena underwent drastic changes throughout...Show moreThis paper examines the historical and theoretical background of the anti-kraak and its relation to the status of squatting in the Netherlands. Both phenomena underwent drastic changes throughout history, resulting in a convoluted legal system surrounding them. The uncertainty surrounding the topic raises a question: What are the political ideas, discourses, and narratives underpinning anti-kraak policies in the Netherlands? Utilizing the existing academic sources, with the methods of systematic literature review and theory-building process tracing, this study demonstrates that the political notions of conservatism, liberalism, culture wars and revanchism strongly influenced the status of anti-kraak and squatting in the Netherlands. Additionally, it argues that both of the studied phenomena are rooted in similar political and legal backgrounds, which is especially evident, given the historical development of those, over the last decades of the 20th century.Show less
At present there are millions of urban dwellers around the world who are encountering water shortages. Urban water security, a concept that concerns adequate water provisioning to urban areas, is...Show moreAt present there are millions of urban dwellers around the world who are encountering water shortages. Urban water security, a concept that concerns adequate water provisioning to urban areas, is therefore becoming a more eminent topic. This concept sets forth the importance of taking into account the provisioning of water as an interrelated concept. Urban water security is intersected with other issues such as equality and justice in water access, accommodating the principle of access to water as a right. Guaranteeing urban water security and the implementation of such policies is notably influenced by different water governance perspectives and the other way around as well. The concept of water governance entails different dimensions of political, organisational and administrative processes via which public concerns are incorporated, decisions are implemented and governments are held responsible for the management and improvement of water resources and services regarding water delivery. This thesis will analyse the water management situation in Amsterdam in the 1930’s and 1940’s through examination of changing urban water security and water governance problems and solutions. Furthermore, lessons learned from the water management in Amsterdam in the 1930’s and 1940’s will be used to think about solving current water management problems in regard to climate change.Show less
This thesis provides an analysis of the far-right discourse of Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour during the French presidential election of 2022 regarding their image of the city. It also explores the...Show moreThis thesis provides an analysis of the far-right discourse of Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour during the French presidential election of 2022 regarding their image of the city. It also explores the way both leaders, respectively of Le Rassemblement National and Reconquête!, use a negative picture of the city and the suburbs as a tool to increase their political appeal. The research covers the differences between the visions of both parties and the strategy they employ to gain popularity among voters. The main findings are that, first, the issues urban multiculturalism raises in the organisation of cities are used to excuse xenophobic views and justify anti-immigration solutions. Second, both candidates evoke the role of common memory to create division between native French and immigrants. Third, the two far-right candidates use Islamophobic views, supported by the fear of terrorism, to paint a negative image of the suburbs, to further argue that French values are fading. Fourth, both parties use the crime rate present in the “quartiers” to magnify the fear of immigrants and the sense of populism of the French voters. Overall, Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour target an audience that is unfamiliar with urban issues in order to be elected by oversimplifying the problems and solutions to these issues.Show less
On 14 June 2017 a fire erupted in Grenfell Tower a social council housing flat in west London. The fire was the deadliest fire since WWI, killing at least 72 people. To prevent future disasters,...Show moreOn 14 June 2017 a fire erupted in Grenfell Tower a social council housing flat in west London. The fire was the deadliest fire since WWI, killing at least 72 people. To prevent future disasters, domestically and internationally it is important to assess responsibility. Past scholarly articles have suggested several societal factors that may have caused the Grenfell Tower fire; social murder, austerity, and racism/colonialism however a gap in research lies in the understanding of the general public and who they hold accountable. This thesis provides a news framing discourse analysis of the Grenfell Tower fire. The analysis focuses on how newspapers shape the discourse surrounding the responsibility of the fire. It then examines the difference between British newspapers and the scholarly literature regarding who is held responsible, revealing a striking difference in how the causation and who is held responsible are presented. While the scholarly literature engages more in systemic issues the newspapers held more surface-level ideas. The implications of this study show that the general public will have an insufficient understanding of what caused the Grenfell Tower fire and what social issues need to be addressed to resolve the aftermath and prevent future disasters of the same nature.Show less
Housing policy is a fundamental tool in shaping the public intervention in the housing sector, and it is especially crucial in regard to social housing. This thesis analyses the state of the...Show moreHousing policy is a fundamental tool in shaping the public intervention in the housing sector, and it is especially crucial in regard to social housing. This thesis analyses the state of the contemporary Italian housing policy and its repercussions on the national and local provision and function of social housing. The paper also seeks to illustrate the structure behind the provision of social housing in Italy, with a particular focus on the complex mechanisms that govern nationallocal relations. Drawing from Italian and International literature, macro-trends such as residualisation, neoliberalism, and privatisation are discussed in the Italian context in order to identify relevance and scope of the latter. To understand these trends in the urban environment, two major urban areas are studied in their social housing composition, function, and provision. The findings highlight how a lack of national interest in and commitment to public housing policy, together with a high fragmentation in the organization, hinder the development of an organic system of public provision of housing. However, the local examples prove that on the urban level several initiatives are taking innovative steps in spite of the national context.Show less
The financial crisis of 2008 was an economic catastrophe that shook the housing market in the United States. Its devastating impact was marked by mass home foreclosures that spread across the...Show moreThe financial crisis of 2008 was an economic catastrophe that shook the housing market in the United States. Its devastating impact was marked by mass home foreclosures that spread across the country. Many homeowners defaulted on their mortgages and were evicted from their homes. For the neighborhoods that became vacant, it became more attractive for criminal activity. However, whether or not empty neighborhoods drew in more crime due to foreclosures remains understudied. This thesis, therefore, sought to advance the research by employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches by examining two neighborhoods in the city of Cleveland. The analysis controlled for demographic and economic factors that have potential influence over foreclosure and crime. Results from elasticity calculations indicated both a positive and negative inelastic response of crime with respect to foreclosures, suggesting mixed conclusions. The results of qualitative data collected from media reports, documentary videos, and photographs on the other hand indicated a more significant impact of crime on the neighborhood environment and its residents.Show less
Luxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban...Show moreLuxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban population of Accra, Ghana. This thesis attempts to understand the historical past of Ghana and the post-colonial roots of current urban development that has led to an intense contest for urban space, inciting disparity and displacement within the city of Accra. An evaluation of policy and investment strategy is studied to understand the vision of the state and its steps towards realising it. Methods to do this include using theories and articles focussing on urban dynamics within and outside Accra that can be used to understand the complex web of issues that Accra’s urban poor is within the housing crisis. Case studies in neighbourhoods such as Nima are used to show concrete examples of the theoretical conclusions made. To prevent the progress of urban development from creating more disparity this paper suggests a change in the understanding of current policy and development strategies by focussing on the colonial and cultural heritage of current urban developments. In addition, reforming policy that prioritise the urban poor, avoiding pitfalls of pilot studies and past attempts in providing adequate housing for the less fortunate. In conclusion, to change the future of this current crisis in urban development there is a need to take two steps back to set one better step forward.Show less
In the year 2050 two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities. This part of the population will by then experience extreme rainfall, flooding, high temperatures and some will have...Show moreIn the year 2050 two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities. This part of the population will by then experience extreme rainfall, flooding, high temperatures and some will have trouble accessing drinking water. These unsafe living conditions are the effect of global warming. To prevent these environmental conditions action to tackle climate change has to be taken, cities throughout the world have to make adjustments by changing their use of the city. In many cities, policies are made to stimulate the use of sustainable energy with the final goal of becoming climate neutral. The energy transition is however also worrying a part of the population as there are doubts about the affordability of the transition, who is going to pay the price? This thesis will use literary research and policy analysis to examine the current energy-related situation in the Netherlands and give an overview of the current policies. Furthermore, the affordability of retrofitting is examined and communal retrofitting options like heat networks will be reviewed. Additionally, a comparison will be made with other countries. This thesis has the final aim to provide researchers and policymakers with a complete overview of the energy transition in the Netherlands.Show less
