This studio begins with an examination of free civic space and the politics of these spaces. Moreover, the public library often functions as a supplemental education space to schools and universities. Somehow, in the midst of our contemporary commercialized cultural, the library remains as a free space to sit, read, check out a book and have access to free wifi and information….a place to learn. And then, of course, there is the free library. Civic buildings are free for public use such as the post office, the courthouse, city hall and other government buildings. A large majority of public space is outdoors in public parks, recreational facilities, civic space and open urban spaces. And many school districts suffer deficits in educational support spaces such as libraries. The quality of education often differs depending on where you live. Although education is free, it is important to note that it is not always equal. Every citizen can send their child to public school from kindergarten to grade twelve. In other words, you have a right to light.Įducation is free. In NYC for example, the residential building code mandates legal light and air. Natural light is free and a codified right. And in theory, we are guaranteed that this air and water is safe to breath and drink through the Clean Air Act (1963) and the Clean Water Act (1972), although sadly, we have seen that in different parts of the country air and water are not free nor are they safe to breath and drink.

In the U.S., we have a right to free air and, for the most part, free water. What in the physical environment is free? The answer is…not much, especially these days. There are many definitions and uses of the word free.

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