From “dialectic to spatial justice”: understanding socio-spatial processes in open public spaces

Abstract

Spatial Justice in the contemporary urbanism emerges from recognizing injustices that shape how cities are experienced and produced. Central to this discourse is the concept of Socio-Spatial Dialectic where social relations and spatial forms shape and reshape one another. Open Public Spaces function as critical interfaces through which the expression of justice within the city is made visible. Yet, despite their significance, the interplay between socio-spatial processes and its capacity to shape the distribution of justice remains insufficiently theorized and empirically examined. This study understands the socio-spatial processes in Open Public Spaces as generative forces which justice itself is unfolded. Drawing on theories of spatial justice, the study descriptively assess the Socio-spatial dialectic through thematic analysis and a composite Spatial Justice Index developed by standardization and normative adjustments to illustrate how these dynamics manifest Justice. Galle Face Green in Colombo is the empirical site of inquiry; a contested civic landscape where public protest, civic identity intersect. Findings reveals, a patterned gradient of spatial justice, increasing from the central mass towards the border spaces with in the promenade exhibiting the highest justice. These insights advance a critical inquiry for practitioners to meaningfully engage with the pursuit of Spatial Justice.