Frustration in Paradise: Social Aspects of Spatial Policies in the Wake of the Covid-19 Lockdown in France

Abstract

Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this paper looks into the possibility that populations, in times of major social disruptions such as the Covid-19 lockdown, are not only affected by the immediate health risks and human and material losses, but also by psychological impacts, all of which have implications for spatial organisation and policies. As university lecturers, the authors asked a group of 73 students to carry out a series of questionnaires among ordinary people on different aspects of the lockdown in France. This fieldwork was completed by a French online press review and literature review on the same topics. The analysis of the data shows psychological discomfort and the development of new sociability traits in most of the interviewees, often belonging to the upper-middle class. In the light of these considerations, residential patterns could be re-examined so as to reorganise self-sufficient neighbourhoods in terms of ‘services’ at district level, thereby essentially rethinking notions like zoning and the separation of functions. Elements such as the purchasing power of citizens to have access to a certain number of square metres, which is the basis of the dynamics of the real estate market, appear inadequate if left alone in the social function of self-regulation, and underline the importance of the regulatory and mediating approach of public authorities. In terms of planning, spatial planning solutions should combine quality offer and relevant response to social demand. Transitions between private and public spaces tend to be too abrupt. If planning were to place greater attention to the levels of proximity and to spaces in transition between public and private spaces (rethinking services and infrastructures), residents would be able to enjoy more quality ‘living together’. If this is to be achieved, then public authorities need to deal with this issue as well as the market.