This study examines the possibility that a space is newly constructed and produced through the process of spatial practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the public space can be produced by citizens’ spatial practices. The citizens...
This study examines the possibility that a space is newly constructed and produced through the process of spatial practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the public space can be produced by citizens’ spatial practices. The citizens’ thoughts and attitudes about the public place such as a square can show that what kind of spaces they can make. Therefore, this study explores the patterns of the Seoul citizens’ perception about the Gwanghwamun square.
In particular, using the Q-methodology, this study analyzed the Seoul citizens’ perceptions about the Gwanghwqmun square, mainly focused on the political, economical, cultural, historical, relaxing and transit aspects. The results show three types of patterns: the type one is ‘historic and cultural space enjoyer’, the type two is ‘restful and cultural space thirster’, the last type is ‘public sphere space striver’.
The first was characterized by ‘historic and cultural space enjoyer’ which perceive the square is meaningful and valuable place that they can learn and experience of traditional history and culture. The second pattern was characterized by ‘restful and cultural space thirster’ which perceive the square is uncomfortable to take a rest and not providing interesting cultural art events enough so that the place is not functioning well. The third pattern was characterized by ‘public sphere space striver’ which perceive the square is meaningful and valuable place that they can express their political opinions freely and learn about democratic values.
Based on these results, these types show the perception of the square is arranged by complex and multiple meanings, values and functions. And also, the types show the square can be produced as distinctive place but at the same time the place is overlapped with various features of different meanings and values.