Patterns of Public Spaces in Spanish Mediterranean Touristified Historic Centres Based on Their Activities: Case Study of Malaga

Abstract

Historic centres are undergoing a series of urban transformations as a consequence of the processes of touristification, and they are mainly located in pedestrianised public spaces. The consequences of the touristification of public space are manifested in its privatisation via the occupation of catering locals and changes to the uses of adjacent buildings. Recent literature has studied the touristification of the neighbourhood unit in an exhaustive way, but it has only studied specific variables of the public space unit. Therefore, an exhaustive study is needed to bring these variables together regarding the public space unit. This study proposes a methodology for categorising public space in terms of use, with the aim of identifying different patterns of activities with respect to touristification. To this end, a system of use indicators is defined according to the public space and adjacent buildings. This methodology has been tested in the Historic Centre of Malaga, analysing a sample of 54 public spaces and categorising them into five different patterns. This categorisation could facilitate the planning and regulation by local administrations of activities in the public space of the Historic Centre.