Types of Public Spaces: The Polish Contribution to the Discussion of Suburban Public Space

Abstract

Intensive suburbanization, especially in postsocialist countries, and a deficiency of fully public spaces result in an increasingly complex mixture of different types of spaces of public functions. Where there is a deficiency of completely public spaces, their role can be enhanced by those places available to the public for a specified period of time and under certain circumstances. Such places are provided and maintained not only by the public but also by the private sector. This article explores the diversity of places of public character and looks for criteria that organize this diversity. It introduces a new typology that corresponds mainly to the suburbs and combines five criteria of categorization: intended users, time limits as to access, prevailing form of control, intended functions, and visual characteristics. The typology draws attention to the role of spaces not intended for all the public but for selected groups and that of spaces with time-limited access. Such semipublic places are consistent with the lifestyle of suburbanites and therefore play an increasingly important role in suburban social life.

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