RETHINKING THE PARK IN THE CITY

Abstract

Case study: Transformation of Miyashita Park in downtown Shibuya, Tokyo Aya KUBOTA The concept of '"the park" in the city' has served as a tool for accepting the contradictions between legal systems and reality. Thus, such parks have continually undergone transformations. Because parks are public, they are expected to be permanent, non-construction sites; however, the reality is different. Miyashita Park in Shibuya was built on a scattered piece of land that became occupied by the homeless community, which was later redeveloped and managed by a private operator on a 30-year fixed lease. Urban parks have the potential to secure Liberty from law related to human rights and democracy that the cities seek.