Public space

de Angela D'Ascoli

Public spaces have long been the object of countless studies. Yet, most of these have focused almost exclusively on the metropolitan setting, while neglecting the nature and function of public spaces in rural areas. This volume addresses precisely this gap, drawing from Henri Lefebvre's theories in order to propose an alternative vision of public spaces -- one which is centered on the local rhythms of rural areas and on their peculiar complexities. Rural public spaces can present all features of a Lefebvrian abstract space, in a way that is akin to that of cities. However, at the same time, their specific 'otherness' allows them to offer communal and organic responses to the pressure of global challenges, in a way that is largely precluded to cities.