Człowiek w przestrzeni publicznej miasta : społeczne znaczenia i zjawiska zagrażające przestrzeni publicznej

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of the functioning of urban public space. The first part of the text focuses on six social meanings of public spaces: functional, interactive, civic, axiological, symbolic and identical. Their presentation adopts a cultural perspective related to the process of experiencing space by its users. The empirical context for the analysis is research projects on urban public spaces carried out in Polish cities in the second decade of the 21st century. The second part of the article analyzes the threats to the functioning of urban public spaces. The following processes are referenced in this context modernization risks, a sense of security, privatization of space, touristification, and the growing importance of information technologies in social relations processes. The article ends with conclusions indicating the increased importance of green areas for city dwellers, the restoration of civic meanings of urban spaces, and the introduction of sustainable solutions in the created public spaces. It is also emphasized that suitable public spaces attract users of urban spaces enabling them to carry out optional activities.