Urban Space and Public Places

The control of public space has emerged as a central dimension in the reconfiguration of the metropolitan region. Public spaces become a key-issue in the renewal of historical centers, the attraction of affluent social classes to the city (which plays a strategic role in gentrification processes), the expansion of global tourism, and in the production of a cosmopolitan image in competition with other cities. They are the sites of class struggle and contestation of neo-liberal programs and policies that have dramatically altered the lives of millions of persons. In addition, the use and representation of public space is shaped by the prominence of public spaces in everyday life, routines, celebrations, and rituals. Public spaces demonstrate the Importance of spatial anchors within the city, and shows that these are something more than a geometric concept, or a simple container without contents (an absolute space, centralized, and homogeneous).