The Commons Sphere, as described by Dr. Torange Khonsari, is a concept that situates the commons as a separate entity between the public sphere (open to all) and the private sphere (linked to market success). Whilst the public refers to resources and assets that belong to everyone and should benefit everyone the commons are communities of practice that self-govern, self-produce, and collaboratively manage resources which are to maintain their livelihood but ultimately have a social purpose. The boundary of the commons (their governance and access regimes) is its most critical institutional design to ensure there is trust, agency and care within commons organizations. We have to build the Commons Sphere, its inclusive and regenerative economy, modes of practice to promote and facilitate civic practices that protect our public goods and become the sphere that keeps the private and public in check.
When to use
- To describe an area between the public and the private sector, where collective ownership and control is exercised.
- To explore and understand the intersection between the physical and virtual worlds (DAOs become a useful framework), and the impact of metaverse on the earth.
- To understand the significance of urban and cultural commons, and the creation of such spaces through the interaction of communities.
- To analyze the role of commons in shaping equitable cities and cultural communities.
- To examine the effect of ownership of land in real and virtual world.
How to use
- Understanding the concept of the commons sphere: The commons sphere is a framework that lies between the public and private spheres, where collective resources and assets are managed and governed by a community.
- Designing participatory projects: Dr. Khonsari's work on the commons sphere can be used as a guide for creating participatory projects that aim to impact public space, promoting direct involvement and collective action in re-designing structures that restrict civic power.
- Building equitable cities: The commons sphere framework can inform the development of equitable cities by addressing issues of ownership and decision-making.
- Rethinking cultural values: Dr. Khonsari's work on the commons sphere provides a platform for rethinking cultural values that have become impossible to implement due to the power of capital and low tolerance to risk.
What you get
- Understanding of the concept of the commons sphere, as a framework for understanding the relationship between public and private spaces.
- A focus on the importance of civic engagement and collective action in creating commons. Insight into best practices for initiatives or social practices, including ethical considerations and methods for sustainability.
- Knowledge about innovative solutions for implementing commons projects, such as peer-to-peer financial models and impact analysis.
- A critical examination of the impact of the metaverse on the physical world, and how it can be used to disrupt the current system and support equitable cities.