En offentlig mötesplats – en jämlik mötesplats? : En kvalitativ studie om den fysiska planeringen av jämlika mötesplatser i Linköpings kommun

Sammanfattning: Despite the value of public spaces for creating greater social cohesiveness, they risk not being prioritized in urban planning. This thesis aims to investigate the role of public spaces for a social sustainable urban development, focusing on equality in Linköping. The research questions concern the municipality's work, qualities and challenges regarding equal public places. Previous research highlights social sustainability based on equality and problems surrounding planning of public places. The study is based on qualitative interviews, with a politician and employees at the planning department of Linköping, and a supplementary document analysis. The results highlight the municipality's work with equal public spaces and a lack of evaluation methods. Accessibility, security and multifunctionality are important in the design of equal public places. The challenges are densification, privatization and conflicts of interest. It can be stated that Linköping’s work with the issue is reflected in previous research. However, there are development opportunities regarding citizen dialogue, evaluation methods for equal meeting places and better definitions of goals and concepts.