Why urban commons matters? Collective action in shared residential areas in cities

Adam Polko

ERES from European Real Estate Society (ERES)

Abstract: Urban commons emerge through collective actions by urban communities utilizing shared resources to collaboratively create and share various goods, both material and immaterial (Foster 2013; Polko et al. 2021). Establishing and sustaining commons involves three essential components: shared resources, a community, and a set of rules (social protocol), rendering it a complex phenomenon (Bollier 2014; Harvey 2012). This underscores a unique connection between the community and resources, reflected in the need to safeguard resources and an awareness of their value (Bollier 2014; Bollier, Helfrich (Eds.) 2015). Numerous instances of urban commons exist, ranging from community gardens, community land trusts (CLTs), and repair cafes to friends' park groups, among others (Feinberg et al. 2021). In urban settings, residents in neighbourhoods are increasingly forming communities to enhance the quality of their neighbourhoods or protect places from threats, such as preventing the appropriation of a park by developers. These residents are adopting commoning practices that extend beyond market and state mechanisms to manage shared urban spaces. This research article aims to deepen the understanding of how the process of urban commoning impacts the management of shared spaces in urban residential areas, with a focus on improving quality. The article addresses key research questions: Why and when do residents initiate the commoning process in residential areas? Does the structure, size, and spatial layout of a housing development influence the creation of urban commons? What types of urban commons are produced, and do they enhance housing quality and impact housing prices?Scientific studies have been conducted in various Polish cities, and the research results aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions among residents of housing estates. Additionally, the findings will offer recommendations on principles for managing shared spaces within housing estates, including squares, parks, backyards, parking lots, etc.

Keywords: commoning; residential area; urban commons (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-01-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hme and nep-ure
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