ABSTRACT

Speaking of public places within the city raises a host of complex issues. There is the wealth of meanings ascribed to the notion of "public place". The approach to the political debate surrounding public places is once again being challenged by the ever-topical issue of citizen participation in the management of life at the local level. The approach to public places as physical spaces is closely linked to the elements which enable people to live together. The context of metropolisation, characterised by increased daily mobility and by a change in the global as well as the urban focus is underlying our research on public places. Use of public places is determined by social position and by the perception of the city, but also by the relationship to other people and to public life. Utilisation of the public places is more varied than that of the city centre, both in terms of use and social profile.