Spatial Justice: Deductions, Detentions and Derivations
Social justice and environmental justice are inherently interconnected, weaving together individuals, places, and narratives through spatial contexts. It is for this reason that this topic is inherently interdisciplinary, highlighting the intricate nature of contemporary challenges. In this context, the journal "Anales de la Investigación en la Arquitectura" introduces its specialized calls addressing the theme of Spatial Justice.
Justice aims to comprehensively and integrally address inequality. It strives to rectify disparities in the utilization of natural resources, access to modern society's benefits, imbalances stemming from poor decisions, emerging inequalities due to climate deterioration, enduring disparities driven by power dynamics, and the aspiration for equilibrium as an ideal state.
As a framework for discussing this topic, the editors invite considering the following themes:
· Equity: Opportunities, rights, resources, power—everything seems to be determined by the place of birth. Does anyone care about balancing these differences? What are the success stories? Which communities have managed to raise their voice and achieve meaningful participation? Who has been displaced? Where have the differences been emphasized? How are scenarios of informality materialized and rebalanced? What are the designs, policies, and actions that highlight the needs of minorities?
· Coast: The coastal environment has proven to be among the most fragile for both human settlements and the ecosystems involved. How to prepare the coastal environment for ongoing climate change? How to maintain relationships and exchanges between countries that occur along the coast and the sea? Will coastal communities be left forgotten in depopulated regions?
· Food: Diversifying agriculture to address food insecurity. Urban gardens as an opportunity to reach the most disadvantaged. How to produce food for an ever-growing population? Can agriculture find balance with natural environments and biodiversity? What are the spaces for agriculture like and where are they situated?
· Energy: Amid a dramatic need for a shift in energy sources, what's the history, current situation, and excuses of cases that continue to indiscriminately exploit the environment? How to enhance the balance between humans and nature? What are the opportunities for change?
· Memory: In the information and disinformation age, more content is generated than can be preserved. What are past events we are unaware of that could contribute to defining and understanding present inequities? What buildings, landscapes, and interventions represent existing inequalities or attempts to balance them?
· Visualization: Society is submerged in misinformation, empty headlines, and smokescreens. How to raise public awareness and educate the population about truly important matters? What information needs to be communicated and how to do it effectively? How to visualize the invisible patterns assumed as realities?
· Testimonies: There is a huge need to know about cases of success. Who and how have managed to overcome inequalities? What can be learned and how can it be applied in the future? Is there any reference or clue that can be useful for entities and communities striving for justice?
With a transdisciplinary approach, this issue strives to serve as an adaptable platform for discussions that contribute ideas to the intricate topic of Spatial Justice. Given the nature of the subject, the journal welcomes contributions from international networks, universities, and diverse disciplines, though studies from individual authors will also be accepted. Authors are reminded that the journal accepts manuscripts in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
