Ambiguity as agency: critical opportunists in the neoliberal city. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaethler, Michael; De Blust, Seppe; Devos, Tim
• Is Part Of: CoDesign. Volume 13:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Ambiguity -- neo-liberalism -- critical -- post-politics -- participation; Design -- Periodicals; Communication in design -- Periodicals; Artistic collaboration -- Periodicals; 745.2
• DOI: 10.1080/15710882.2017.1355002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1571-0882

Abstract

Abstract: Participatory design and planning processes are subject to co-option by neoliberal forces and post-political logics. This places participatory practitioners, such as co-designers or planners involved in co-production in a difficult position, whereby not taking a critical stance can lead to legitimising and normalising the dominant logic of the state or elite. However, taking a clear critical stance can result in a loss of access and trust from stakeholders and ultimately result in being side-lined from influential design or planning processes. This article critically adapts Eric M. Eisenberg's theory of strategic ambiguity for the post-political context as a potential discursive resource for practitioners seeking to remain active within influential urban decision-making processes while sustaining a critical position and practice. It opens a discussion with the participatory practitioners ndvr on their use of ambiguity and how it negotiates a balance between access, trust and criticality.