The increasing privatization of ‘public space’ has become a critical phenomenon in modern cities and a hotly debated issue in urban and public space studies. This paper critically examines the problems associated with the privatization of public s...
The increasing privatization of ‘public space’ has become a critical phenomenon in modern cities and a hotly debated issue in urban and public space studies. This paper critically examines the problems associated with the privatization of public space while addressing how to restore and reconstruct public space with public value and a vision for the city. Neoliberalism has led to the regression of the public sector and democracy and accelerated the privatization of public space. To resist the neoliberal order and re-imagine public space, this paper draws on John Parkinson’s political reinterpretation of democracy in relation to public space and Susan Fainstein’s concept of The Just City as theoretical frameworks. As a case study, this paper examines The Garden of Privatized Delights, the British pavilion exhibition in the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of Venice Biennale 2021, which explores alternative possibilities for public space. This exhibition resonates with the concerns raised in this paper, re-imaging privatized public space based on public values such as citizen participation, accessibility, diversity, and equity, as emphasized by Parkinson and Fainstein. Furthermore, the case study envisions an inclusive and just city by proposing a new model for public space that enhances accessibility, ownership, and use by addressing issues of inequality and exclusion.