In recent years the privatisation of public space has become the subject of much discussion and debate among critics of today’s urban development. In the United Kingdom and throughout the world, the appearance of our cities is being transformed by public space privatisation. In other parts of Europe this topic is becoming a very contemporary and controversial issue as well. As one of the biggest cities in Germany, Hamburg shows processes of privatisation of public space. Its current HafenCity project reveals one of the biggest regeneration projects managed from and financed by private and public sources.
What do we mean by the privatisation process and what are its benefits and disadvantages toward the quality of urban living?
Privatisation describes the process of change within the management and ownership of open spaces. It is perceived as a part of Post-modernism and the post-modern city, where the “city provides the context for the social, economic and cultural changes brought about by the globalised new economy” (Minton, A. (2006) p. 5). Corporate governance in shopping malls, business parks, entertainment complexes and business improvement districts can be seen as part of this progression. The trend towards community or joint private ownership of assets such as community centres and parks is an element of the progressive privatisation of public spaces which reduces the pool of openly shared public spaces in towns and cities. Membership passes and fees can be used to regulate who uses the facility and how the spaces are utilised.
Traditionally we differentiate public spaces in terms of the rules of access, the source and nature of control over entry and rules of use. Therefore a place is public when anyone can enter it and no restrictions, other than Common Law and public safety to behaviour or use of the place is given. Public space is commonly understood as a state owned open space free of regulations, which this essay will discuss.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Privatisation of Public Space
- History and recent trends
- Case studies
- Case study 1
- Case study 2
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines the privatisation of public spaces, its history, and its impact on urban design. It explores the transformation of cityscapes through the lens of privatization, using case studies to illustrate the complexities of this phenomenon. The essay aims to understand the process of privatization, its effects on urban living, and how urban designers can address the challenges it presents.
- The history and recent trends of public space privatization.
- The definition and implications of public versus private and semi-private space.
- Case studies illustrating the privatisation of public space.
- The impact of privatization on the quality of urban life.
- The role of urban designers in addressing the issue of privatization.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the growing debate surrounding the privatization of public spaces in the UK and globally. It introduces the concept of privatization as a shift in management and ownership of open spaces, linking it to postmodern urban development and the influence of the globalized economy. The introduction also defines "public space" in its traditional sense and contrasts it with private and semi-private spaces, emphasizing the crucial cultural, social, and political roles of public spaces within society.
Privatisation of Public Space: This chapter delves into the historical context of privatized public spaces, tracing its evolution, particularly in the UK and Europe. It highlights the practice of private estates creating community spaces to enhance property values, giving examples such as Bloomsbury and Barnsbury. This historical perspective provides a foundation for understanding current trends in privatization and the long-standing tension between private interests and public access to urban spaces. The chapter likely discusses the ways in which historical practices have shaped contemporary issues surrounding public space privatization.
Case studies: This section presents detailed case studies, analyzing specific examples of public space privatization to illustrate the diverse manifestations of this phenomenon. Each case study likely explores different contexts, geographical locations, and mechanisms of privatization, possibly contrasting successful models with unsuccessful ones or highlighting the varying social and economic consequences. Through these examples, the chapter aims to provide a rich understanding of the practical implications of privatization on the ground.
Keywords
Privatisation, public space, urban design, urban development, case studies, public access, private property, post-modernism, community, quality of urban life, economic impact, social impact, historical trends, contemporary issues.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay examines the privatization of public spaces, its history, and its impact on urban design. It explores how the transformation of cityscapes through privatization affects urban living.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the history and recent trends of public space privatization; the definition and implications of public versus private and semi-private space; case studies illustrating privatization; the impact of privatization on the quality of urban life; and the role of urban designers in addressing privatization.
What does the essay cover in its introduction?
The introduction sets the stage by highlighting the debate surrounding privatization of public spaces, introduces the concept of privatization as a shift in management and ownership of open spaces, linking it to postmodern urban development and globalization. It defines "public space" and contrasts it with private and semi-private spaces.
What is discussed in the chapter on the privatization of public space?
This chapter delves into the historical context of privatized public spaces, tracing its evolution, particularly in the UK and Europe. It highlights the practice of private estates creating community spaces and how historical practices have shaped contemporary issues.
What is the purpose of the case studies section?
The case studies section presents detailed examples of public space privatization to illustrate the diverse manifestations of this phenomenon. It explores different contexts, geographical locations, and mechanisms of privatization, possibly contrasting successful and unsuccessful models and highlighting varying social and economic consequences.
What keywords are associated with this essay?
Keywords include: Privatisation, public space, urban design, urban development, case studies, public access, private property, post-modernism, community, quality of urban life, economic impact, social impact, historical trends, and contemporary issues.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: Introduction, Privatisation of Public Space (with a sub-section on History and recent trends), Case studies (with sub-sections for Case study 1 and Case study 2), and Conclusion.
What is the overall objective of the essay?
The essay aims to understand the process of privatization, its effects on urban living, and how urban designers can address the challenges it presents.
- Quote paper
- Susanne Grolle (Author), 2008, Privatisation of public space, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129104
