Open 21 (Im)mobility

Open is a cahier that reflects upon contemporary public space from a cultural perspective. Open is published twice a year. Media researcher Eric Kluitenberg, guest editor of this issue, charts the many mobility regimes and searches for a perspective on intervention. Philosopher Marc Schuilenburg argues for connectivity with the local, introducing the concept of ‘terroir’. Cultural critic Brian Holmes analyzes the capitalist mobility system: container transport and just-in-time production. Film stills from the documentary Forgotten Space by Allan Sekula and Noël Burch portray the relation between oceanic shipping lanes and the globalized economy. Architectural historian Wim Nijenhuis wonders what exile means in today's ‘exit city’. Architect Charlotte Lebbe investigates the external borders of the Schengen Area and sees the rise of a new dispoitif surveillance: the Ban-Opticum. Sociologist Merijn Oudenampsen and architect Miguel Robles-Durán interview David Harvey on the spatial effects of capital accumulation. Media theorist Joss Hands writes about the mobilizing capacity of social media in recent events in the Middle East. Media artist and researcher Florian Schneider introduces the concept of ‘transnationality’ in order to tackle the ambivalence of current border regimes. Design critic John Thackara argues for a change in the thinking on mobility. Media theorist Tatiana Goryucheva investigates the preconditions for a democratic design technology for food mobility. Design studio Metahaven and architect Nerea Calvillo each have made a special contribution.