Public Spaces in the Context of Modern Socio-Cultural Trends

The article discusses the concept of public space. The research is aimed at identifying the connection between modern socio-cultural trends and the formation of public spaces. In the course of the research, the following tasks are solved: consideration of the issue of the development of public spaces in a historical context; analysis of the formation of requirements for its organization over time; assessment of modern approaches and solutions to the formation of public spaces and identification of promising trends at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. If the first public spaces were formed spontaneously within the grid of streets laid out in the city, then over time special territories were allocated in the urbanized space – play areas for children, places of communication for residents, etc. The author examines the influence of modern socio-cultural trends on the formation of public spaces, the relationship between urban development and the socio-cultural framework. Currently, the modern socio-cultural framework includes sites and environmental elements related to open urban spaces. These include territories of spare, free cars; linear, street structures; landscape components of man-made or natural properties; sections of house territories by complexes, etc. One of the promising areas for creating spaces in demand by socio-cultural content is the revitalization of abandoned territories and buildings that are excluded from the functional and objective life of the city – former factory and warehouse zones. The author considers successful solutions for inclusion in the socio-cultural framework of these territories. The author concludes that it is necessary to form, develop and subsequently maintain urban public spaces in order to improve the quality of life.