Example estate management dissertation topic 10:

The nature of open spaces in urban developments: Is private ownership of such spaces acceptable?

Public priority investment has enabled local authorities to provide amenities and open spaces in conjunction with urban developments on a scale that may not have been possible otherwise. Granary Square, in King’s Cross, London, is an example of such a development, where private ownership of parkland and other public amenities means that access can be restricted or denied. Although this is a return to how much of London’s open spaces were originally created, this diminution of public access is causing concern in many quarters. This dissertation evaluates whether these development ‘deals’ are good value for the public, or whether the public has been the victim of a stealthy campaign to ensure fresh air only for the privileged.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Carmona, M. (2008). Public space: The management dimension. London: Routledge.
• Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (2006). Paying for parks: Eight models for funding urban green space. London: CABE.
• De Magalh�es, C. and Carmona, M. (2006). ‘Innovations in the management of public space: Reshaping and refocusing governance’. Planning Theory & Practice, vol. 7(3), pp. 289-303.