A practical reference, informed by successful cases enacted worldwide, for citizens committed to shaping the socio-spatial terrain of their communities
In recent decades, citizens active in urban governance have taken up their roles as autonomous subjects, negotiating with governmental actors on the reuse of vacant buildings while representing the wishes of fellow residents to create self-managed communal spaces that are open to neighborhood residents. They have appropriated vacant properties—and, where possible, constructed new buildings—in line with their own interests as well as those of civic groups and the common good. They work to create affordable working, living, cultural and community places in an increasingly commercialized urban environment. In this publication, these civic actors are referred to as citizen professionals (CPs). Author Karin Christof details how CPs can operate and empower themselves in this process of collective urban planning—from learning to collaborate to becoming intermediaries between existing powers and the populace. Karin Christof is an urban researcher and curator who has worked in visual arts and architecture since 2000.
STATUS: Forthcoming | 3/10/2026
This title is not yet published in the U.S. To pre-order or receive notice when the book is available, please email orders @ artbook.com
FORMAT: Pbk, 5.75 x 8.75 in. / 296 pgs / 30 color / 12 b&w. LIST PRICE: U.S. $29.95 LIST PRICE: CANADA $44.95 ISBN: 9789083579559 PUBLISHER: Set Margins' publications AVAILABLE: 3/10/2026 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Forthcoming AVAILABILITY: Awaiting stock TERRITORY: NA LA ASIA AFR ME
Published by Set Margins' publications. By Karin Christof. Foreword by Elke Krasny.
A practical reference, informed by successful cases enacted worldwide, for citizens committed to shaping the socio-spatial terrain of their communities
In recent decades, citizens active in urban governance have taken up their roles as autonomous subjects, negotiating with governmental actors on the reuse of vacant buildings while representing the wishes of fellow residents to create self-managed communal spaces that are open to neighborhood residents. They have appropriated vacant properties—and, where possible, constructed new buildings—in line with their own interests as well as those of civic groups and the common good. They work to create affordable working, living, cultural and community places in an increasingly commercialized urban environment. In this publication, these civic actors are referred to as citizen professionals (CPs). Author Karin Christof details how CPs can operate and empower themselves in this process of collective urban planning—from learning to collaborate to becoming intermediaries between existing powers and the populace.
Karin Christof is an urban researcher and curator who has worked in visual arts and architecture since 2000.
