Heden : Att förstå det offentliga rummet genom en samhällsbyggnadsdebatt

• Main Author: Setterstig, Amalia
• Format: Others
• Language: Swedish
• Published: Uppsala universitet, Kulturgeografiska institutionen 2016
• Subjects: urban public space; public space redevelopment; access to public space; medial debate; qualitative content analysis
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-298106

The study aims to explore different aspects of urban public space. It does so through the case study of the medial debate concerning the planned redevelopment of Heden, an open central publicly owned area in Gothenburg, Sweden. The case study revealed the highly contested meanings of Heden, as well as different understandings of public space. The study also points to the dilemma of making urban public space readable and convivial, while maintaining it inclusive and open for everyone. The medial debate circles around the newly publicized redevelopment plan for Heden. In the plan the local government proposes the addition of more activities and functions to Heden. Thereby, they wish to attract new target groups to Heden. This proposal has met with some approval in the medial debate, but also with harsh critique. Some critics voice the concern of to whom public space is redeveloped. Other critics want to see more extensive redevelopment of Heden, to cover it with “inner city”. Others yet wish a future Heden to have a more explicit focus on sports. The study examines these differing opinions and their possible consequences for the “publicness” of urban public space.