Barangaroo Public Space Study

A Functional Space

Public spaces are essential urban commons, distinct from private property and typically state-owned. They facilitate social interaction, economic activity, and ecological benefits, while also serving as sites for democratic expression. Historically, their functions have evolved from the Greek agora—centres for civic discourse—to industrial marketplaces and modern parks. Contemporary research categorises public space functions into domains such as social justice, recreation, environmental sustainability, informal economies, and cultural identity. The concept of “cosmopublic” spaces emphasises their role in fostering interactions among diverse urban groups, reinforcing social cohesion despite everyday frictions.

Contestation and Accessibility

Public spaces are inherently contested due to competing interests among stakeholders. As Mitchell (2017) argues, questions of for whom and for what purpose these spaces exist remain central to urban discourse. Planning objectives like safety, accessibility, and order can lead to exclusionary practices. “Hostile architecture,” such as anti-homeless design elements, exemplifies how spatial regulation marginalises certain groups. Similarly, the privatisation of space through corporate sponsorships or Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) often introduces semi-public zones with restricted access. Even well-intended interventions—such as tree-planting for environmental justice—can trigger “green gentrification,” raising property values and displacing vulnerable communities, a phenomenon termed “sustainaphrenia” (Checker, 2020).

Governance Models and Urban Management

Governance structures significantly impact the accessibility and experience of public spaces. Zamanifard et al. (2018) identify four models:

• Traditional governance – State-controlled management, often hierarchical.
• Managerial governance – Public-private partnerships, where semi-private entities oversee operations.
• Market-based governance – Privatised models where corporations manage public infrastructure.
• Network governance – Collaborative arrangements between state, private, and community actors.

While traditional governance dominates, hybrid models are common, sometimes leading to tensions between municipal, state, and federal authorities, as seen in large-scale infrastructure projects (Fleury & Gomes, 2024). The shift toward privatised governance, driven by neoliberal urbanism since the late 20th century (Searle & Cardew, 2000), has raised concerns over the commodification of public space. Studies indicate that perceptions of public space quality depend not only on physical design but also on management practices like cleanliness, maintenance, and policing.

The Future of Public Space

Public space governance continues to evolve amid pressures of urbanisation, climate change, and social equity. The challenge lies in balancing inclusivity, economic imperatives, and environmental sustainability. As cities adapt, equitable and participatory governance models will be crucial in ensuring public spaces remain accessible, multifunctional, and representative of diverse urban populations.