Addressing the Challenges in the Development and Management of Public Spaces in Contemporary Cities

Dear Colleagues,

Public space is an integral part of urban life in towns and cities. Successful public spaces are designed, developed, and managed in such a way that they are accessible and can attract a range of uses and activities, providing an opportunity for socialisation among the users. Despite their significance as a “common social platform”, the quality of public spaces appears to be deteriorating in contemporary cities against the backdrop of the radical transformation in the post-war era, characterised by the decline of the public realm. Scholars argue that public spaces have been treated as a residual space in contemporary cities and have received the lowest priority in the urban development process. At the same time, the management of public spaces has emerged as another key issue of urban development in contemporary cities, as the quality of public spaces has been significantly influenced by the changing model and degree of their management.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on the challenges posed by the changing nature of the development and management of public spaces in contemporary cities. We invite papers (both original research and review articles) that will look into the nuanced aspects of these challenges by either engaging in theoretical discourses or presenting empirical evidence. Submissions to the Special Issue are expected to critically examine a range of issues pertaining to the provision and use of public spaces and offer important insights into approaches to public space development and management in the changing urban context of contemporary cities. Some suggested topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Governance and management of public spaces;
• Urban sprawl, public space, and place quality;
• Urban–rural space sharing;
• Public space and placemaking;
• Contemporary urban form and its impact on the design and use of public space;
• Current changes in the provision and use of public spaces in traditional urban areas;
• Privately owned public spaces;
• The rise of third places;
• Social interaction in public spaces;
• The rise of ICT and the changing nature of public spaces.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Rajjan Chitrakar
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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