Team Institutional Analysis
We examine how Urban Commons Initiatives (UCIs) manage urban resources like affordable housing, greenspaces, and community agrofood initiatives across various socio-political and environmental contexts. Our research explores the resources governed by UCIs, the actors involved, and the ecological, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors that shape their provision and governance.
We also study the policies, laws, and property rights that influence UCIs, and how different institutional rules impact their sustainability and organization. Our work highlights how UCIs contribute to the commonification of urban resources and manage economic sustainability.
Led by J.D. Gerber, C. Oberlack, S. Guinand, J.F. Gerber, and supported by T. Liu and PhD researchers, our team advances knowledge in urban sustainability and commons governance, offering insights into policy, law, and community management.
Principal investigator; University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Partner; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PostDoc; University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student; University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student; University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Team Individual behavioral Perspective
We investigate the social and psychological factors that drive individuals to collaborate in Urban Commons Initiatives (UCIs) and how these collaborations evolve over time. Our research explores the socio-demographic and motivational characteristics that explain why residents engage with UCIs, and how these motivations change through collective experiences. We also examine how participation in UCIs affects individual behaviors, social practices, and well-being, with a focus on the differences between various contexts, such as Switzerland and Ghana, and types of UCIs like greenspaces, affordable housing, and community agri-food initiatives
Led by S. Moser, supported by L. Gurtner and PhD researchers, our team aims to bridge commons theory and psychological theories, expanding both fields and offering new perspectives on urban sustainability and community collaboration.
Co-applicant; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PostDoc; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland and Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student; University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Team Intersectional polital ecology
We explore the social dynamics and power inequalities within Urban Commons Initiatives (UCIs) to address “social heterogeneity” and “social sustainability” challenges. Our research examines how different perspectives on human-environment relations are negotiated within UCIs and how power inequalities related to gender, race, class, and other factors impact their development. We also investigate the relationship between the goals of academic researchers and commons participants and how researchers can help challenge inequalities and enhance commons management strategies.
Led by D. Ay, with PhD researchers and guidance from M. Tola and A. Darkwah, our team is committed to advancing the understanding of social sustainability and equity in UCIs.
PostDoc; University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student, University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
PhD student, University of Bern, Institute of Geography (GIUB), Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Team Urban Ecology
We explore how urban environmental quality affects the emergence, organization, and sustainability of Urban Commons Initiatives (UCIs). Our research focuses on understanding how biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people (NCPs) vary within and between UCIs and how these elements are perceived by urban residents and decision-makers. We also investigate perceived trade-offs and synergies among NCPs, considering how these views differ based on involvement in UCIs and governance structures.
Led by M. Dallimer and S. Guenat, with PhD researchers dedicated to biodiversity assessment and stakeholder analysis, our team aims to reveal how biodiversity and NCPs influence urban resource management and the success of commons initiatives.
Co-applicant; University of Leeds, Sustainability Research Institute, Leeds LS29JT, UK
Interdisciplinary Partners
Partner; Erasmus University Rotterdam, International Institute of Social Studies, Kortenaerkade 12, The Hague 2502 LT, Netherlands
Partner; Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Urban and Regional Research of the
Austrian Academy of Sciences, Bäckerstraße 13
1010 Vienna
Partner; sanu durabilitas, foundation for sustainable development, 2502 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
Partner; University of Ghana, Institute of African Studies, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Commonpaths is a collaboration of
Commonpaths is a collaboration of
