Urban Aesthetics and Social Function of Actual Public Space: a Desirable Balance

Abstract

A city's public space has undergone significant changes during the twentieth century. Those changes have affected both form and social function. Public space has suffered crises and revivals, but despite all its changes, it currently still plays a significant role for citizens. Mediterranean culture remains a valid tradition of public consciousness, which is evident in the urban space itself. The balance between aesthetic dimension ―material form― and social dimension ―use and meaning― is desirable in order to create an awareness of urban heritage and citizenship feeling. This article analyzes the main recent crises both aesthetic and social in public space in the western city. From this dual analysis, it discusses the main findings about perception of urban public space in current Mediterranean culture. In conclusion, the aesthetic and social dimensions of public space are not independent but interdependent by the confluence of several factors.