The Public Space: Architecture and Social Meanings - An Analytical Approach to the Concept and Historical Development of Urban Public Space Formation

Abstract

The concept of public space has evolved from a geographical notion to a multidimensional social construct intersecting geography, politics, economics, and culture. It is a central focus in urban studies, offering insights into the sociological significance of daily urban practices. Key theoretical contributions include Jürgen Habermas's The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere and Henri Lefebvre's The Production of Space, along with insights from Émile Durkheim and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on Manuel Castells, this study examines the architectural and social dimensions of public spaces as symbolic reflections of societal interactions and conflicts, adopting an analytical approach to the public sphere’s formation.