Revisiting Spatial Publicness of Urban Space: The Role of Private Green Space in Apartments

Abstract

The privatization of urban spaces is a significant issue in contemporary society, reshaping traditional concepts of publicness under the influence of capitalism. David Harvey's theory of capital accumulation elucidates how capitalism drives the privatization and commodification of urban spaces. This research examines the effects of large-scale residential developments on urban spaces, with a focus on South Korean apartments and spatial publicness. It addresses issues such as the unequal availability of urban parks and the privatization within gated communities. This study investigates three interconnected subtopics as described below: (1) The role of private parks in addressing spatial and social inequity in urban green spaces: This research explores the spatial and social inequities in urban park availability in Seoul, South Korea, with a particular focus on the role of private parks within apartment complexes. Urban parks are vital for public health, recreation, and biodiversity, yet rapid urbanization often leads to reduced green space availability. This study investigates how private parks can complement public parks, addressing spatial inequities and enhancing park availability. The integration of private green spaces within residential areas offers a new strategy to mitigate the lack of public green infrastructure. By analyzing the distribution and accessibility of both public and private parks across various neighborhoods, this study contributes to understanding how urban planning can leverage private green spaces to achieve greater equity in urban park provision. The findings indicate that private parks, often situated in affluent areas, potentially exacerbate spatial disparities, highlighting the need for careful urban planning and policy interventions to ensure equitable access to green spaces across all socioeconomic groups. (2) The moderating effect of private green space on the relationship between density and housing prices: This study examines the impact of private green spaces on housing prices and their moderating effect on the relationship between housing density and prices in Seoul, South Korea. Utilizing 96,750 real estate transactions from 2019 to 2021, we employ a multilevel hedonic pricing model. Our research finds a negative relationship between housing density, measured by floor area ratio, and housing prices, suggesting that higher density typically depresses property values. The creation of private green spaces within residential complexes, particularly those exceeding a certain threshold akin to the size of neighborhood parks, can generate an additional “green premium.” This study also suggests the potential of such green spaces in alleviating some of the negative effects of high density on housing prices. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable and compact urban development, advocating for policy interventions that encourage the inclusion of green spaces in residential projects. The integration of green spaces within urban planning can markedly improve the quality of life and attractiveness of densely populated areas, thereby enhancing urban livability and desirability. (3) The spatial patterns of gated communities within South Korean apartments: This study explores the spatial distribution and determinants of gated communities (GCs) in Seoul, South Korea, focusing on large apartment complexes. Utilizing a dataset of 1,512 complexes, the study employs hot spot analysis and logistic regression to identify patterns and key factors influencing the level of enclosure. Key findings indicate that gated communities are more prevalent in affluent neighborhoods, with higher property values driving investment in security features such as barricades, guard posts, and fences. Newer complexes and those developed by top construction companies are more likely to be gated. Neighborhood characteristics like population density, housing conditions, and proximity to commercial areas also significantly impact gating levels. The study highlights the importance of balancing security with openness and accessibility. For instance, the presence of green spaces is linked to lower enclosure levels, fostering community connectivity. These insights provide guidance for urban planners and policymakers to create residential areas that ensure security while promoting inclusivity and community integration, contributing to sustainable urban environments. The findings highlight the complexities of urban space privatization and its implications for equitable and sustainable urban development. The study underscores the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning, promoting public access to private parks, and developing strategies that balance security with inclusivity. This research contributes to the broader discourse on urban planning and policy, aiming to create more inclusive and livable urban environments.