Written

The concept of public space has evolved as cities transition from industrialised modernist spaces to knowledge and finance based postmodern societies. Postmodern societies guarantee an increase in private ownership of public space, public spaces have become less about facilitating community interaction and more focused on fostering an environment of consumption. The public-private space is a curated environment, where ‘undesirables’ are excluded either directly or indirectly through design. The traditional notion of a public space as a reflection of society is degraded, the undesirable elements of society; youth, skateboarders and the homeless are moved on. Through a comprehensive study of the practical techniques used to curate postmodern public-private space rather than detached theories the psychological and physical toll of hostile postmodern design starts to become clear. Through understanding of the strategies that
organizations utilize to exclude members of the public, we are better placed to comment on the culmination of postmodern practices.

Full essay: The undesirable public

No space under the bridge. The Daily Mail. From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168175/Are-lethal-concrete-spikes-stop-beggars-sleeping-city-bridges-REALLY-Chinas-best-option-stop-homeless-problem.html (accessed May 23, 2015)