Abstract

PEREZ-GONZALEZ, Arturo. Public space in the paradigm of social sustainability. Econ. soc. territ [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.50, pp.171-195. ISSN 2448-6183.

The construction of social relations has been traditionally generated through physical-residential proximity. The neighborhood was the basis of neighbor and labor relationships as well as friendships. Therefore, public space has been a key supporting element for these social dynamics. However, the economic, technological, cultural and social changes of past decades have become new peripheral urban forms characterized by fragmentation and the absence of public space. For many authors, this represents a crisis of social sustainability. Nonetheless, this could be a paradigm shift, a new way to interact and socialize with space. From this perspective, the research conducted in the city of Guanajuato, has documented the spatial and sociofunctional model on which the social relationships of a sector of the population are currently built and held.

Keywords : Public space; social sustainability; paradigm.