The public open space as space of social exclusion or social cohesion: the case of Omonia and Syntagma squares

Abstract

The subject of this article is the investigation of the relationship between public open spaces and social cohesion and exclusion, focusing on squares of Athens and especially in Syntagma and Omonoia squares. Public open spaces are vital parts of cities into which occur many different activities and events, while they are very important for the sustainability of them. However, in many of these areas, there is a marked crisis in their role that they can no longer fulfil. Through the theoretical analysis of the historical development and the social role of public open spaces arise a lot of information about the pathogens and the benefits they have. In particular, the research that conducted examines the factors that lead to social cohesion or social exclusion, which are safety, usual visit, aesthetics and functionality of squares. According to the research, public open spaces can function both as social exclusion spaces and as social cohesion spaces depending on the degree of security, they present but also on their character and functionality.