Reclaiming public space as educational space

This commentary reframes public space as critical infrastructure for learning as resistance. In an era of shrinking commons and commodified third spaces, it argues that porches, parks, plazas, and sidewalks are vital educational terrains – especially for historically marginalized communities. Centering learning as spatial theorization and process for change, I explore how learning is used to reclaim, reshape, and radicalize space. The main points highlight how learning acts as a form of spatial disruption and collective memory. In doing so, I call for an expanded view of educational infrastructure that transcends school walls and is grounded in community, justice, and shared stewardship. Reclaiming public education, I argue, begins with reclaiming public space.

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Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Dialogues in Human Geography
Published
2025-12-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/20438206251406733
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Educational Environments and Student Outcomes
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.93
Controls
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article

Reclaiming public space as educational space

Kaleb Germinaro
1 citations
Dialogues in Human Geography
Educational Environments and Student Outcomes
8.93
article

Reclaiming public space as educational space

Kaleb Germinaro
article en
1 citations

Abstract

This commentary reframes public space as critical infrastructure for learning as resistance. In an era of shrinking commons and commodified third spaces, it argues that porches, parks, plazas, and sidewalks are vital educational terrains – especially for historically marginalized communities. Centering learning as spatial theorization and process for change, I explore how learning is used to reclaim, reshape, and radicalize space. The main points highlight how learning acts as a form of spatial disruption and collective memory. In doing so, I call for an expanded view of educational infrastructure that transcends school walls and is grounded in community, justice, and shared stewardship. Reclaiming public education, I argue, begins with reclaiming public space.

Dialogues in Human Geography
University of Illinois Chicago (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Educational Environments and Student Outcomes
8.93
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