Caleb Miller MA Architecture

Rebel, Reimagine, Reclaim

Inspired by the rise in urban unrest, which has increased in both number and impact, this thesis studies the unique relationship between democracy and the built environment – focusing on empowering marginalised communities by using architecture to challenge existing power structures. It emphasises the importance of amplifying diminished voices and utilising unclaimed spaces to promote cultural practices and encourage democratic engagement. 

Protests are vital expressions of democracy, providing a platform for communities to voice grievances and drive change within cities. They challenge the status quo, prompting a re-evaluation of how urban spaces are used and perceived and serving as catalysts for social transformation. However, protests are often highly controlled and contained by using the built environment, often reinforcing the existing power dynamics by limiting movement and access, increasing surveillance and monitoring, and privatising once public open space.

This thesis underscores the significance of unclaimed spaces, like alleyways and rooftops, which often serve as escapes for marginalised communities and provide refuge from the prevailing cultural expression. By transforming these voids into spaces that accommodate unique cultural narratives, new opportunities for discourse and experimentation emerge. These spaces become vital for fostering innovative expressions and community engagement, allowing marginalised groups to assert their presence and shape their environments. 

Ultimately, this thesis advocates radically rethinking architectural practices to support a more inclusive and equitable urban landscape. By creating sites for discourse and community engagement, architecture can contribute to a more democratic and liberated society. This new approach involves reimagining how spaces are used, demonstrating how architecture can be a force for genuine equality and vibrant cultural expression.