Creative Activism and Tactical Urbanism

Social Change in Milan through Colourful Squares

Abstract

In the Western societies of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, European cities were largely designed and planned by civil engineers, architects, and public health experts –fields dominated by wealthy men. Consequently, cities were, and still are, delineated along the lines of gender, as well as race and class (European Union, 2007). For several years, the neutral user of the city was based on an ideal type of inhabitant: adult, male, healthy, rich, educated and self-provided. This led male planners and designers - whether intentionally or unintentionally - to create urban spaces catered to their needs while reflecting and perpetuating the patriarchal norms of their society (The World Bank Group, 2020). This archetype, however, is as dominant as poorly representative: urban environments around the world became both products and drivers of inequities, not only towards women, but excluding many of the real communities living in the cities as well (Hanson, 2004).