How can architecture as an urban practice claim an active role in shaping alternative public spaces, supported by the Commons, especially in contentious cities? Why isn’t Alice in Wonderland? Could it be to help strengthen citizens’ social skills in the city, to gradually understand the complexity of fragmented lands in which they live? And if Alice isn’t in Wonderland, where might she be? Perhaps she camouflages herself, forming tactics in environments not conducive to the creative transformation of conflicts, trapped in entrenched narratives hostile to difference. Could she hold onto magic, making the unattainable possible, in collective efforts to claim the co-creation of common urban imaginaries—imaginaries that seek creative transformations of conflicts?

Architecture as an urban practice shapes “instantaneous alternative publics” to overturn dominant narratives. It translates differences, fostering constructive interactions in the city. It disorients creatively, encouraging the public to unlearn entrenched urban beliefs.

Elina Kountouri, NEON’s Director and curator of the exhibition space of togetherness discusses with Socrates Stratis, Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Cyprus alternative practices to claim the city.