RMIT Bowen Lane. Image: RMIT University
What Is: A ‘Commons’?
In its essential form, the commons is the natural and cultural resources available to all of society.
The term “commons” originated in medieval European as a term for “common land” managed collectively by a community. In modern times, it can apply to any kind of common resource; natural (such as a state park), urban (such as a street), or intellectual (such as Wikipedia).
Famously, ecologist Garret Hardin wrote “The Tragedy of the Commons” in 1968, in which he detailed his theory that any resource freely available to a group of people was doomed due to individuals acting in their own interest and depleting the resource.
This theory has been widely criticised, and Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom demonstrated that throughout history and in different cultures, there have been and are many successful commons.
She detailed the parameters that made a successful commons, which included clearly defining the common resource and fostering a sense of trust within the community.
- Beyond Markets and States: Polycentric Governance of Complex Economic Systems
Crenshaw Community Garden, Los Angeles.
In an urban context, a commons is a space in which citizens have a common stake, and might include a park, open space or other neighbourhood amenities. In some cases, the public are key players in the use and planning of a commons, and co-create the city with governing bodies.
We see communities of students, residents, local businesses, planners, designers and carers of place building a new urban commons with our community in Melbourne, and we want to find out more!
Bundoora Open Day at RMIT Bundoora Campus. Image: RMIT University.