Large urban projects and uses of public spaces: tensions and negotiations from the Puerto Madero experience

Abstract

This article analyzes relationally the management of Puerto Madero by the Old Puerto Madero Corporation and the installation in the area of a soup kitchen by the leader of the unemployed and retired Raul Castells. The approach combines literature on large urban projects and the dynamics of public spaces. More specifically, Puerto Madero is analyzed from cultural and symbolic perspectives, paying attention to the actions of the aforementioned Corporation and its attempts to counter various criticisms that the operation has received. The approach to the Castells episode allows us to resume discussions about tensions between management, design and uses of public spaces. The work is based on a qualitative and interpretive approach that recovers literature on Puerto Madero, sources linked to the Corporation and journalistic sources about the installation of the soup kitchen. The article concludes by critically revisiting some common senses about links between cities, large urban projects and public spaces.