Open access: flexible notions of property for concepts of public space

Abstract

This paper discusses how notions of public space as well as concepts for its production and use can be addressed, based on the assumption that design research plays an important role not only in gaining knowledge about societal processes, but also in providing scenarios to influence or change them.

The paper further discusses positions of different groups of interest and stakeholders, including private people, public or governmental institutions, and commercial businesses influencing cityscapes.

Challenging predominant concepts of ‘access’ and ‘property’, it uses different theoretical and practical perspectives on the relation of design and public space, and although partly abstract, generates critical insights into existing approaches.

Aim is to reflect the diversity of open development and distribution strategies and to explore interventionist potential for the urban passenger arising from the complex of urban planning, commercial interest, political decision processes, architecture, technology and people.

This obviously requires a closer look on the actual relationship between spaces and behaviour, especially regarding processes of interaction and communication. Practical value is increased by linking theoretical foundations of this broad field to applied design project work, arguing that cross-fertilizing potential can be gained here.