El espacio público como espacio institucionalizado:

apuntes sobre el uso del territorio en la ciudad de Concepción, Chile.

Abstract

This essay aims to discuss the way of production of public space in an urban context, under the wings of globalization process and capitalist restructuring. The main idea is that some public spaces, produced at different levels, are being produced under an institutionalized hegemonic logic. Both uses and practices of that space are controlled and regulated. We call this an institutionalized public space that is the way certain public and private institutions are taking over public space, and contributing to new reproduction’ forms of the capitalist urban space. We argue that social space is a continuous changing category, and approach to the notion of ‘used territory’ as a spatial process, which is produced in a specific and particular historical context. Likewise, the public space will be both an exercise of power as the development of everyday life. This creates tensions when using the space, something we examine in two cases in Concepción city Chile, as a way of exploring the process of public space’ institutionalization.