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- Convenor:
-
Aigul Beimisheva
(Narxoz University)
Send message to Convenor
- Chair:
-
Aigul Beimisheva
(Narxoz University)
- Discussants:
-
Alessya Nugayeva
(Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Institute of History, Archeology and ethnology B. Jamgеrchinov National Academy of Sciences Kyrgyz Republic)
Nata Volkova (AlmaU)
Nataliia Volkova
- Format:
- Panel
- Theme:
- Sociology & Social Issues
- Location:
- 704 (Floor 7)
- Sessions:
- Saturday 8 June, -
Time zone: Asia/Almaty
Abstract:
Urban research in Central Asia operates within certain regulatory, financial, and social constraints. Among these constraints are the unavailability or poor quality of official statistics and the inefficiency of legal mechanisms, which are often influenced by social connections, stakeholders, and the self-organization of local communities. To navigate this complex socio-legal landscape, researchers are compelled to devise new strategies and tools that enable a deeper understanding of reality, making it more accessible and interpretable. This necessity has led to the experimental reconfiguration and integration of traditional research methodologies into what Celia Lury terms "interdisciplinary methodologies."
The panel aims to spotlight these experimental practices, discussing how they might be stabilized and transformed into institutionalized methods. This conversation will address the essence of scientific methods, the reproduction of knowledge, and the generation and collection of urban knowledge.
The transition from traditional social and scientific methodologies to an interdisciplinary approach is driven by the broadening network of actors engaged in urban knowledge exchange. This network includes activists, bureaucrats, urban planners, and local citizens, enriching the research landscape.
The discussion will examine a wide array of tests, prototypes, and experimental techniques applied within urban spaces. These experiments also give rise to new types of urban projects that act as hybrids, navigating between research and practice, regulation and creativity, and social issues and art events. By extending research practice beyond the confines of disciplines and regions, urban research is positioned as an open forum for debating the future challenges and boundaries of social and scientific inquiry.
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Saturday 8 June, 2024, -Abstract:
Paper seeks to unravel the nuanced dynamics that contribute to the formation of public spaces in Almaty. Through a comprehensive examination of urban planning, architectural innovation, and cultural engagement, we aim to provide readers with a profound understanding of the factors that shape the communal landscapes of this vibrant city.
Key Themes:
Urban Planning Ingenuity:
• Delve into the strategic organization of public spaces, including parks, squares, and architectural landmarks.
• Explore the synergy between urban planning strategies and the ever-evolving needs of the community.
Preservation of Heritage in a Modern Context:
• Showcase initiatives preserving historical landmarks while seamlessly integrating them into contemporary public spaces.
• Examine the role of historical heritage in fostering identity and connection among Almaty's diverse residents.
Economic Catalysts:
• Uncover the economic drivers propelling the development of commercial and recreational zones, injecting vitality into public realms.
• Highlight successful models of economic integration within innovative public space designs.
Cultural Renaissance:
• Present a curated selection of cultural events and activities that transform public spaces into dynamic hubs of creativity and expression.
• Analyze the transformative impact of cultural initiatives on community engagement and social cohesion.
Interactive Community Engagement:
• Showcase pioneering approaches to involve the local community in decision-making processes related to public spaces.
• Share case studies exemplifying the positive outcomes of collaborative community efforts in shaping urban landscapes.
In essence, the paradigm of social design in public spaces encapsulates a groundbreaking and multifaceted strategy for curating environments that not only cultivate interaction, inclusivity, and community engagement but also transcend the realm of physical transformation. This visionary process meticulously considers the intricate needs and preferences of diverse societal groups.
Abstract:
The temporal perspective of urban research has only entered sociological discussion in recent decades, whereas classical sociology was more focused on the spatial organization of everyday routines. These changes are particularly visible in the repertoire of research techniques, ranging from traditional methods to the 'rapid' ones (Low 2017). The issue is how the acceleration of research changes the way we see and interpret the relationships among social actors and how it potentially corrupts our understanding of urban everyday practices.
This paper will examine several cases of new formats of urban planning organization and regulation that have emerged in Central Asia in recent decades, such as zoning regulations, urban planning competitions, master planning, and urban design standards. It aims to deconstruct them and describe them as complex urban research and planning frameworks (Bissenova 2013). The analysis of these frameworks will present them as a collection of rapid research techniques, which provide a structured description of social practices through various forms of representation—mapping, narrating, observation, and photographic fixation—as well as the analysis of legal documents and regulations.
Deconstructing the work of urban research and planning frameworks reveals their role as boundary objects that coordinate urban processes and flows of urban knowledge. As Bijker, Bal, and Hendricks (2009) state, this coordination work relies on tacit knowledge and expertise, which enable decision-making in critical situations but also lead to an accumulation of risks in urban governance. Thus, urban governance will be described as the coordination of risks produced by various urban planning and design frameworks.