Den urbana mötesplatsen : en kvantitativ studie av Bysistorgets funktion som offentlig mötesplats

Sammanfattning: Gathering places (mötesplatser in Swedish) is an frequent used concept within the discourse about urban and regional planning in Sweden. It is an ambiguous term that is used in a variety of contexts and with a variety of meanings. Present work aims to investigate and describe the function of an urban square in Sweden as a public gathering place based on a number of given aspects. To achieve the aim of this thesis two different research approaches, in addition to an extensive literature study, is being used; a survey with people in a calculated target area and observations following the methodology created by Metha, 2014. Previous studies have shown that there are a number of variab- les that need to be understood to create a comprehensive insight in the social dimensions of urban public space. Among these, different groups and their perception of different factors are crucial to include. Furthermore, the inclusion and the possi- bility to use the public space is of great importance. As is the possibility to feel safe and calm in the space. Hence, there are numerous factors to include when the social dimensions of a public space is to be studied. These factors can be measured as indicators on how good the public space is, as is done in the Public Space Index developed by Metha (2014). Present study’s findings include a suggested definition of the term “Public gathering place” and data that indicates that Bysistorget is an overall good public gathering place. This is, however, proble- matized when the data is divided by different groups and a more variegated understanding arises.