Convivial public space : passage through the second watershed in La Pau with Ivan Illich

Abstract

This thesis engages with the work of Ivan Illich in his book, Tools for Conviviality (1973). The aim is to translate his concept of conviviality into an operational term for urban planning. Illich criticises the industrially rooted institutions of power and mass production and promotes conviviality as an antipode ideology rooted in sociality and a fitting alternative for the future autonomous and sufficiency-driven civilisation. This study will seek to operationalise conviviality within the field of urban planning based on the relationship between public space, spatial self-initiative and the urban planning process. Three methodological approaches were used; literature review on Tools for Conviviality to synthesise the variables and themes of the study, a historical review using orthophotos, maps and photographs of La Pau to highlight the journey and impacts of the two watersheds in the industrial period and a case study review of the public space and spatial self-initiatives within La Pau to provide an analysis of the current impacts of the industrial model on urban planning. This research breaks down conviviality into independent variables; survival, justice and self-defined work and dependent variables; sufficiency, efficiency and productivity as indicators of citizen-centric urban planned public space. This research bridges the literature gap created by studies that conceptualise conviviality without analysing Illich’s thesis on conviviality. Illich’s thesis being over half a century old publication is a time scope research limitation. However, his diagnosis of the concept remains relevant till today and the study will justify the impact operationalising conviviality can have on livelihoods today. At the end of the study, operationalisation of conviviality in urban planning will be synthesised by demonstrating the adoption of the independent variables to address spaces left out of planning, ingredients for organic growth, vibrant lifestyles and 24/7 space.