Mediating public and private : three models of 'public space'

Abstract

This paper is mindful of the increasingly complex mediations of public and private, and explores theoretical constructs gleaned from architectural thought and political theory, to derive ideas that are pertinent to our present context. It considers three models of public space, namely: physical space (via architecture), de-institutionalised space (via Hannah Arendt) and finally de-territorialised-de-institutionalised space (via Claude Lefort, Chantal Mouffe and Ernesto Laclau). Each model builds upon the previous in terms of complexity, nuance, and indeed relevance.Izibonelo Ezintathu zokwakha Indawo Yomphakathi: Zihlanganisa Ubuzwe kanye nokuzimela. Leli liphepha lidingida udaba oluqukethe izindlela eziningi lapho uhulumeni kanye nabantu nje bashintja indawo yomphakathi lapho siphila khona ngekusebenzisa imicabango ephuma ezifundweni ngezakhiwo nangezembusazwe. Leliphepha lisebenzisa imicondo ephuma kubantu abanjengo Hannah Arendt okhuluma ngekuphathwa kwendawo, libuye lisebenzise imibono kaClaude Lefort, noChantal Mouffe and kanye noErnesto Laclau abakhuluma ngemifakela ephuma ngaphandle ekuphatheni kwesindawo, nganti futsi leliphepha libuye lisebenzise nemicondo ejwayekile esentjeziswa esifundweni zokwakha. Yonkhe into ecukethwe lapha ihlanganise imicondo ehlukahlukene ewungeke uyihlukanise kalula kepha idingekile.