Marginalization of space and the public realm: achieving sustainable development through the 'productionof space'

Abstract

As addressed by Lefebvre's theories on the 'Production of Space', there has always been discrepancies between the conceived spaces of the producers and the perceived / lived spaces of the users. Particularly with public spaces, history has shown that these spaces have often contested and conflicted in Hong Kong, where the public realm has been shrinking at an alarming rate, becoming less accessible, and often overly maintained and subject to surveillance and policing. This study attempts to carry on the debates in this regard, and provide a new limelight towards how public spaces can be considered and planned for in the case of Hong Kong. Through the extensive review of literature and numerous interviews and discussions with various professionals, scholars, government officials, local bodies, etc. it was found that institutional and procedural gaps, along with the focus on maintaining and satisfying standards and the economic well-being of the city, hinder the development of a healthy and vibrant public realm. However, there is ample room for many possibilities and ways to resolve such issues, particularly when under the framework of a placemaking approach. With all things considered, much more research is needed to substantiate the multifarious collection of issues addressed, particularly in terms of the political economy of Hong Kong and its effects on the development of our city and its spaces.