Spaces of cultural exchange: integration of migrant communities in urban life through commoning practices in Athens

Abstract

Greece is a country with a large number of immigrant populations having various integration needs. To a large extent, these needs are covered by facilities open to migrant communities that help them remake their lives according to their own aspirations. The purpose of this research is to answer the question ‘what are the characteristics of facilities open to migrant communities that enable their participation in urban commons and how their goals, activities, physical characteristics, cooperation with other projects or individuals, as well as their relationship with the neighbourhood affect the process of integration’. In order to answer the research question, this research will analyse integration and urban commons literature. The theoretical findings are confirmed through field research in Victoria Square, a multicultural area in Athens that has hosted migrants for at least three decades and where many facilities of this type are found. From the research, it can be concluded that facilities open to migrant communities that enable participation in urban commons, can foster integration. The results indicate that participation in urban commons enable migrant populations to obtain local knowledge and a diverse network of social connections that help them become more self-reliant. Furthermore, it occurs that participation in urban commons presents an opportunity for intercultural exchange, something that on one hand allows migrant populations to practice their culture and on the other hand helps them to understand and adapt to the local context.