Gentrification & Public Space

The seminar investigates the topics of gentrification and public space. The starting point of the course is on the one hand the globalisation of the term gentrification, while on the other hand the impact of gentrification on the plurality of public space. Ruth Glass (1964) provided her seminal definition of gentrification, which has been seen as a displacement process in which high-status segments of the population displace low-status groups and existing buildings are upgraded or replaced. But gentrification is not only about the ‘housing market’, tenant structure, speculation and development, it is also about the displacement of less affluent citizens from public spaces. Although local politicians and developers strive to create an atmosphere of tolerance and diversity (as urged in economic perspectives), investment in public spaces and public services is often limited to leisure and reducing the possibilities of appropriation.

This course took place during the Spring 2021 semester.