The spatio-temporal geographies of public spaces at night and their regulation as source of conflict. The cases of Montpellier and Bologna

Abstract

This paper explores the relations between nocturnal practices, their negative impacts and the regulation, design and planning of public spaces. Focusing on the case of Montpellier and Bologna, two cities that have experienced the rise of several nightlife-related problems, it analyzes the variety of measures and regulations adopted by local administrations and their impacts. It suggests that the “disciplinary” approach adopted by these cities, that consider nightlife-related conflicts a problem of public order connected to excessive behaviors, often associated to alcohol consumption in the public space, has limited or even counterproductive results. A more structural action that takes into account the urban night in both urban policies and planning is needed to effectively tackle the nighttime economy’s negative impacts. This implies to fully consider how the physical, social and cultural dimensions of public spaces influence night-time practices.