THE URBAN SPACE DEBATE , 2000 words ( Los angeles )

In this assignment, you must identify an important debate happening somewhere within the City of Los Angeles. The debate must involve the use of private and/or public space. You can find out about such debates by looking into major and local media sources. Such debates over space are everywhere and at every scale: from the big to the very small. In the explanation and analysis of your chosen urban space debate you must do the following:

• Explain exactly where this particular debate is centered. Where exactly? Show me on a map!
• Go there and take photos. Don’t use photos from other sources!
• What are the arguments being made about this site’s use?
• Who exactly are the main players/actors in this urban space debate? (citizen groups, activists, developers, local city govt., state agencies, etc.) Don’t be vague!
• How do you identify and define these actors if they seem to fall into particular groups? Is it as simple as “pro” vs. “con”?
• Give me a small bit of history to help us understand the issue, the area, and its previous use(s).
• Who owns the space? Who uses the space? Who wants access to the space?
• Provide a comprehensive analysis of the debate. Tell me the complete story as you understand it.
• Provide your own insights on the debate.
• What could be the future impact of this space’s use if certain decisions are made? Extrapolate.
• Wrap up with a clear conclusion that restates the main points of your chosen urban space debate.
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