Akkar, M., 2004, New-generation public spaces: how ‘iInclusive’ are they?, in: OPENspace, ‘Open space, people space’, OPENspace, Edinburgh
- Author : Akkar, M.
- Year : 2004
- Published in Book : Open space, people space
- Abstract in English : ABSTRACT: The proliferation of alluring, distinctive and exclusive public spaces in post-industrial cities raises the question of how far these environments are truly ‘inclusive’. Focusing on this question, this paper explores the changing ‘inclusivity’ of a recently redeveloped public space in the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, Britain, by investigating before, during and after the redevelopment scheme regarding the four dimensions of access: i) physical access, ii) social access, iii) access to activities and discussions, iv) access to information. It shows that, contrary to the wide recognition of diminishing ‘inclusivity’ of contemporary public spaces in the urban design and planning literature, the recent refurbishment has in fact had both improving and diminishing impacts on the HBS’ ‘inclusive’ qualities. The paper concludes that new-generation public spaces may show different shades of ‘inclusivity’, in which degrees of access can vary widely, and seeks to give clues for urban planning and design practice.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: public space, social inclusion/exclusion, access, gentrification, social stratification [paper: 6 p.]