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Testa torg : En fallstudie om tillfällig användning och medborgardeltagande i utvecklingen av Davidshallstorg i Malmö

Stridh, Paula LU (2025) SGEL36 20242
Department of Human Geography
Abstract
Temporary use of space has emerged as a transformative approach to urban planning, offering potential social benefits while also reinforcing neoliberal forces that may contribute to gentrification. This study critically examines the role of temporary use in a Swedish municipality, specifically focusing on the case of Davidshallstorg in Malmö, where a former parking lot has been transformed into a temporary public square. Drawing on previous research on temporary urbanism, critical urban theory and Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation, the research investigates the power dynamics behind municipal intentions for temporary use and the impact of citizen participation in the planning process. Based on interviews with representatives from... (More)
Temporary use of space has emerged as a transformative approach to urban planning, offering potential social benefits while also reinforcing neoliberal forces that may contribute to gentrification. This study critically examines the role of temporary use in a Swedish municipality, specifically focusing on the case of Davidshallstorg in Malmö, where a former parking lot has been transformed into a temporary public square. Drawing on previous research on temporary urbanism, critical urban theory and Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation, the research investigates the power dynamics behind municipal intentions for temporary use and the impact of citizen participation in the planning process. Based on interviews with representatives from the Malmö City Planning Department and an analysis of existing planning documents related to the case, the findings reveal that political and economic interests significantly shape the municipality’s approach to temporary use. While efforts to involve citizens have provided opportunities for participation, the study concludes that this involvement often amounts to tokenism, where citizens’ influence is more symbolic than substantial. The study highlights the limitations of current participation strategies and calls for further research on how to enhance genuine citizen influence in urban development processes. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Stridh, Paula LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Testing Public Squares : A Case Study on Temporary Use and Citizen Participation in the Development of Davidshallstorg, Malmö
course
SGEL36 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
temporary use, critical urban theory, citizen participation, Davidshallstorg, Malmö Municipality
language
Swedish
id
9181771
date added to LUP
2025-02-03 08:59:37
date last changed
2025-02-03 08:59:37
@misc{9181771,
  abstract     = {{Temporary use of space has emerged as a transformative approach to urban planning, offering potential social benefits while also reinforcing neoliberal forces that may contribute to gentrification. This study critically examines the role of temporary use in a Swedish municipality, specifically focusing on the case of Davidshallstorg in Malmö, where a former parking lot has been transformed into a temporary public square. Drawing on previous research on temporary urbanism, critical urban theory and Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation, the research investigates the power dynamics behind municipal intentions for temporary use and the impact of citizen participation in the planning process. Based on interviews with representatives from the Malmö City Planning Department and an analysis of existing planning documents related to the case, the findings reveal that political and economic interests significantly shape the municipality’s approach to temporary use. While efforts to involve citizens have provided opportunities for participation, the study concludes that this involvement often amounts to tokenism, where citizens’ influence is more symbolic than substantial. The study highlights the limitations of current participation strategies and calls for further research on how to enhance genuine citizen influence in urban development processes.}},
  author       = {{Stridh, Paula}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Testa torg : En fallstudie om tillfällig användning och medborgardeltagande i utvecklingen av Davidshallstorg i Malmö}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}