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Commoning, heterotopia, and transformation: An analytical framework for and from contested spaces
Amy R Poteete1, Pavel Kunysz2, Nik Luka3
1Department of Political Science, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
Environment and Planning. D, Society & Space
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Commoning, the practice of shared responsibility for common resources, is not inherently transformative. Its potential for societal change depends on its connection to heterotopic spaces, which offer alternative social environments.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Urban Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Commoning involves shared recognition, mutuality, and responsibility for collective resources.
- Commoning is often seen as a transformative alternative to capitalist individualism and profit motives.
- However, commoning's transformative potential is not guaranteed and depends on specific conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between commoning and heterotopic processes.
- To propose an analytical framework for understanding this relationship.
- To explore how commoning and heterotopias interact in urban contexts.
Main Methods:
- The study develops a theoretical framework to analyze commoning and heterotopia.
- It uses case studies of contested urban green spaces in Liège, Montréal, and Brussels.
- Qualitative analysis likely involved examining social practices and spatial characteristics.
Main Results:
- Commoning and heterotopias are distinct but can be complementary processes.
- The interaction between commoning and heterotopic spaces influences the transformative potential of commoning.
- Urban green spaces can serve as sites where commoning and heterotopic dynamics unfold.
Conclusions:
- Commoning's transformative capacity is contingent on its spatial and social context, particularly its relationship with heterotopic elements.
- Understanding the interplay between commoning and heterotopias is crucial for fostering social transformation.
- Policy and planning should consider how to support the conditions where commoning can be truly transformative.
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