The Social Quality of Public Space

This book examines the concept of quality from a social perspective. Using the example of public spaces, it demonstrates the analytical and practical benefits that can be gained from an experience-based approach to defining quality.

Sociology and related social sciences have rarely explored the quality of spaces, despite qualities being social products. This has led to a clear research gap in understanding spatial quality within social theory. Addressing this gap, this book examines public space quality through a cultural-spatial lens, accounting for the complexity of polycontexturalization, which implies the increasing entanglement of social actions in multiple contexts and spatialities, as well as the materiality of spatial arrangements. Moreover, it introduces the sociologically useful distinction between Erfahrung (reflective experience) and Erlebnis (lived experience) into the analysis of spatial quality. The book’s concept is based on the idea that social experience comprises multiple logics. It is shown that the quality of public space is driven by three distinct logics: The logic of expression, evident in individuals’ drive for social integration; the logic of strategy, viewing public space as a competitive arena; and finally, the logic of subjectivation, which examines how spaces shape subjectivities and are subject to refiguration.

The book targets both researchers and students in sociology, anthropology, political science, architecture, and urban planning. It also serves as a practical toolbox for professionals in architecture and planning focused on creating more socially acceptable public spaces.