Thesis: This chapter in Rethinking Urban Parks by Setha Low and Dana Taplin outlines the use of public spaces in New York City. It is an introduction to the various spaces discussed in the book.
The begining of this chapter discuses how Urban space is used in the modern sector. Setha Low explains that in the modern respects there is a new threat to public space as we know it. "In this new century,we are facing a different kind of threat to public space-not one of disuse,but of patterns of design and management that exclude some people and reduce social and cultural diversity"(Low pg1). These changes are due to an increase in security after 9/11 more Americans feel unsafe in the public space. And those that do feel comfortable, their expression of themselves in the public space is hindered due to increase in security. More and more their is a increase need foe public safety. This increase need for public safety negatively effects the amount of money used for public spaces.
Globalization also contributes to the changes in public spaces. The increase in immigration creates changes in the way public spaces are used. More immigration create more social diversity in the inner cities. This shows up in public spaces as well.
This increase in cultural diversity is the groundwork for this chapter. Social sustainability is a technique that is used to "maintain and enhance the diverse histories,values, and relationships of contemporary populations"(Low pg 5).
I think it is especially important to sustain the growing diverse population. Because the urban sector is a melting pot so to speak the people that use the public spaces have different reasons for using public space, therefore different needs.
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