Influence Of Public Space In New Community On Residents’ Sense Of Place

Construction of development zones has obtained remarkable achievements in China. It is a typical process of reproduction of space. According to theories of intra-production specialization, the gathering of processing and manufacturing firms in development zones might lead to the massive influxes of foreign migrant workers and thus produced a lot of society problems. Communities surrounding the development zones were built mainly for the resettlement of local farmers. There are also some migrants renting here. Thus these communities often become space gathering lonely rootless person, full of social isolation and social conflicts. As the carrier of interpersonal communication, public space may play important role in the reconstruction of social network, and thus be helpful for the reconstruction of residents’ sense of place. As a hot issue in the area of sociology, public space obtained less attention in the study of geography. As an important topic of human geography, studies on sense of place have considered it not purely individually or collectively constructed. However few studies have in-depth explored the mechanism on how it be socially constructed. This study mainly focused on the influence of public space on the construction of social network in new communities surrounding the development zones.Paper is divided into five chapters. The first chapter explains the background and meaning of the research and simply introduces the object, content, method and framework of the research; Chapter II is a literature review of public space in community, mainly about concept definition of community and public space and then explains the characteristics of public space in community surrounding the Economic and Technological Development Zone; and a literature review of sense of place, reviewing relevant studies about the construction of sense of place is a social process, emphasis on characteristics of residents’sense of place surrounding development zones; Chapter Ⅲ is about what kind of impact may be brought about on residents’ sense of place by public space in the new communities surrounding the development zones, mainly through the aspects of reconstruction of social network and collective memory; Chapter Ⅳ is field research of two communities around Changsha Economic and Technological Development Zone; Last Part is conclusion and discussion of the full text, to summarize and to make directions for future research. It is suggested to further optimize the construction of community public space, especially in new communities surrounding development zones.The paper argues that Public space in the new community may be an important spatial carrier for the reconstruction of social network. It may be helpful both for the local land-losing peasants and migrants establish communication channels, and thus enhance mutual trust and reduce the gap and misunderstanding. It is also the carrier for memorial ceremony and physical practice, and may provide place for story-telling and share of collective memory. It is conducive to enhance sense of place through local ritual, festival activities and shared stories. The construction of residents’ sense of place depends on the communication among residents. The community public space is an important carrier for communication among residents. The community public space may be convenient for the reconstruction of social network and the share of common memory in new communities surrounding the development zone. Public space in community may be helpful for residents to reconstruct their social network: Most respondents frequently use the public space. All groups may be directly or indirectly affected by public space. Public space may provide opportunities for the respondents to the place to make new friends. Public space has become the carrier for residents to seek emotional attachment. Public space in community may be helpful for residents to extend and create collective memory:Local residents may hold large-scale public activities at public space. Public space may be convenient for local residents to share their memory. Public space may be an important window for migrants to understand the local culture. Public space may provide opportunities for new residents to share new memory. Community public space may be an effective carrier for the enhancement of residents’ sense of place surrounding development zone. On this basis, this paper suggested to further optimize the community public space construction, and give full play to the community public space as a resident place feeling to build the function of the carrier. Firstly, to strengthen the function of community public space of social interaction, let more community residents, involved in the community public space. Secondly, to develop characteristic traditional culture in the community public space and festival celebrations as the continuation of collective memory. Thirdly, is to pay attention to the fairness and openness of community public space and ensure comprehensive social networks.