Jan Oosterman
APA
Oosterman, Jan. "Welcome to the Pleasure Dome: Play and Entertainment in Urban Public Space: The Example of the Sidewalk Cafe." Built Environment (1978-), Vol. 18, No. 2, Culture and Urban Regeneration: Some (n.d.): n. pag. JSTOR [JSTOR]. Web. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/23288363>.
Keywords
Public Consumption Atmosphere
,
Self-display
,
Socio-functional Qualities
,
The Fun City
,
To Be Seen
Abstract
While public spaces in city centres still provide for the traditional uses for which they were created, today - as the example of the sidewalk cafe shows - their attraction lies more in their ability to generate individual pleasure and play.
Main finding
This studies argues that while urban public spaces in city centres still offer sacredness, safety, accessibility and free exchange - the author claims that the focus is now on making cities "fun" and exciting places for the enjoyment and leisure of adults. Public spaces in the city would be according to J. Oosterman, places where people go by in a "public consumption atmosphere" in which the individual experience of pleasure and entertainment is put forth.
Description of method used in the article
Interviews, observations, literature review,
Verdict
Of practical use