#fragmentedcities

The square in the top photo, despite looking like a public space, is part of a shopping centre complex in Paris. Not only is it patrolled by security but it is also gated which further segregates the wider community. The complexities surrounding its private/public nature means that what looks like a space which should be used to meet, gather and possibly used to regain the city, is in fact regulated by the shopping centre. These regulations mean the only people using the square are either passing through to get to and from the shops or using the restaurants. It is not therefore a public square but a commercial one. The people who are welcome to use the space are only those with money.