Owners of the Map, a study of Bangkok through an ethnographic study of motorcycle taxi drivers, advances an analysis of space and power that is of interest to both social research and design. In 2010, thousands of Red Shirts protesters took over the commercial center of Bangkok to demand democratic elections and an end to inequality. Key to this mobilization were motorcycle taxi drivers, who slowed down, filtered, and severed mobility in the area, claiming a prominent role in national politics and ownership over the city and challenging state hegemony. Claudio Sopranzetti will speak at this event, with Duncan McCargo moderating.

Hosted by NYSEAN and Weatherhead East Asian Institute.