The Politics of Public Space

by Tom Muratore

528 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Anastasiia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably the largest unexpected read I head this year. This book represents a collection of interviews that OFFICE (not-for-profit multidisciplinary design and research practice based in Melbourne) conducted roughly between 2018 and 2022 on topics connected in some ways to public spaces.

First of all, to my surprise, it was heavily specific to Australia. Although I could not relate or understand a lot of conversations around certain public spaces in Australia, it got my attention, and this book is first but not last read on Australia for me.

Secondly, 'thanks' to COVID, Volume 2 was discussing much broader topics (and if I could I probably would limit my read to Volume 2 only). It brought up a lot of insightful conversations that I will exploring moving forward. My favorite is interview with Alfredo Brillembourg from Urban-Think Tank. Work done by this design practice is impressive, and reminded me a lot Re:Ukraine (project closer to my heart that I dearly love).

But I have to mention my least favorite conversation, with Saskia Sassen. Made me feel that she has not heard any of questions asked by OFFICE, and kept answering her own questions. Very disappointing.

[Ange Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this copy - containing all 5 volumes - as an early birthday gift to myself from the Preston book market, managing to snag the last one left. Invaluable, brilliant and a testament to the capacity of the authors to translate spoken word into written text; brilliant. Has been utilised both as a work resource in the policy space and a personal resource in my understanding of Melbourne’s past and present, and has primed me for what may lie around the corner.