Mesto pre všetkých? Odkrývanie infraštruktúry segregácie

Can a city truly be for everyone? Can its urban infrastructure prioritize care over short-sighted prestige, transcending the limitations imposed by electoral cycles? Could we envision cities as instruments that mitigate economic disparities and foster a world free from discrimination and segregation, instead fostering spaces of protection and support? The book City for All? Uncovering the Infrastructure of Segregation emerges from interdisciplinary research conducted between 2020 and 2022. Central to this endeavor is a case study focusing on an excluded locality situated in Veľky Krtíš, a small district town in southeastern Slovakia. Through its multifaceted approach, the publication aims to contribute to discussions on research methodologies in segregated areas, whether approached from a social science or design perspective. Simultaneously, it seeks to catalyse broader dialogues on long-neglected topics like social housing within the Slovak context, thereby influencing public policy. RUVK, a research team comprising designers, architects, social scientists, housing experts, and legal professionals from FFA BUT and Masaryk University's Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science, has been engaged in this locality since 2018. Their overarching objective is the amelioration of social and material living conditions, particularly within a specific apartment complex owned by the city of Veľký Krtíš. Employing a forensic approach, RUVK unveils the intricate layers of segregation, shedding light on entrenched yet often concealed practices deeply rooted in the urban fabric. The team's intervention extends beyond research, actively assisting residents in addressing housing issues and advocating for their rights, exemplified by their response to the mass termination of leases in September 2020. Moreover, RUVK endeavours to forge partnerships with local stakeholders, bolstering social work capabilities and promoting affordable housing initiatives within the community. City for All? Uncovering the Infrastructure of Segregation not only offers critical insights into the challenges of inclusive urbanization but also embodies proactive efforts towards meaningful societal change and equitable urban development. Accompanying the book is the card game “Care from the Future,” a reimagined version of Situation Lab's “Thing from The Future,” redesigned by the RUVK team. Through gameplay, participants assume the role of city officials tasked with devising solutions that prioritize marginalized groups, both human and non-human, within urban landscapes.