ABSTRACT
The image of a cross-section of the Spanish public turning public space into a political sphere where rules and values of a different politico-economic system were reimagined became linked with Puerta del Sol. Alternative urbanisms have become an essential part of the marketing of urban neighborhoods. And while political empowerment is practiced in the safe havens, they have become a "generative force of neoliberalizing cities", encouraging self-responsibility while the austerity state keeps on cutting public spending. The macroeconomic restructuring of Madrid's political economy after the crisis led to the outsourcing of public service and public space provision to architectural collectives through funding by the cultural sector, rendering civil society initiatives dependent and in danger of being exploited for capital accumulation. A strategic plan was developed, to transform Madrid into a hub for advanced global services and finances, prompting the development of a high-capacity airport.
