Public Space in Large Housing Estates

Abstract

In recent years, much concern about the quality of life of the residents of large, post-war housing estates in Europe has focused on the various socio-economic aspects of the resident populations and the way these aspects impact on their living conditions. Social aspects of the debate have been dominated by issues concerning social mix and the behaviour of housing estate residents, while issues concerning social interaction and social cohesion have received much less attention. We adopt a different approach and use the example of public space to address the issue of social interaction in large, post-war housing estates. We identify the major characteristics of public space within these residential areas, adopt the notion of ‘social space’, and use empirical examples to explain the importance of proper public space design, management, and maintenance; the meaning of social space to the residents; and its importance in fostering social interaction and social cohesion.