2020 Volume 85 Issue 777 Pages 2363-2373
The operation of public facilities is increasingly outsourced to the private sector for cost reasons. On the other hand, the local government is the only organization that can involve in the local community permanently, but their role in facility management is not adequately discussed. We analyze human-environment transactions around public facility “Hacchi” and civic group “Machigumi” which are located in Hachinohe-City, and describe the patterns of civic engagement and the roles of local governments.
In chapter 3, we analyze from a spatial perspective. First, we analyzed the use of the rental area of Hacchi and found that there was a difference of about 100m2 in the space between the independent business and the general public. On the other hand, about half of the events in Hacchi held by the general public.
Secondly, we analyzed where exhibitors in Hacchi self-produced events participated from and found they joined from not only the central city area but also the other areas, including outside Aomori prefecture.
Finally, we plotted on a map where Hacchi self-produced projects and Machigumi involved in. We found that Machigumi performed their activities in various places in the central city area. In contrast, Hacchi held their self-produced events in Hacchi.
In Chapter 4, we analyzed the activities of “Machigumi,” focusing on two aspects: places and interaction. First, in their lab, members of Machigumi generally spent their time getting ready for events, communicating with each other, and enjoying various club activities. Outside their lab, they sell products, hold events, and participate in events hosted by other organizations. Also, their activities outside the laboratory divide into three cases performed in public facilities (e.g., Hacchi), open spaces, and private buildings.
Furthermore, in a questionnaire survey for members of Machigumi, reasons for joining in Machigumi were not necessarily related to downtown revitalization. Most of the members join Machigumi to do what they want.
In Chapter 5, Machigumi has to coordinate with the city government, building owners, residents before they work in the city. We analyzed those processes by using the social relationship diagram and summarize the subject and content of the first episode in each section to examine the trigger of events. As a result, the social relationship surrounding Machigumi changed over time; for example, the city government changed how to handle Machigumi. Also, citizens have been consulting with Machigumi gradually, and they put their consultation contents into activities and events in the city.
In summary, Hacchi provides several patterns of civic engagement in their building, and Machigumi also provides more patterns in the central city area. These various patterns of civic engagement show the methods of downtown revitalization that the local governments achieve through the development and operation of base facilities when governments aim to revitalize their city comprehensively. Also, behind the fact that Machigumi is free to act, there is a device for management by Hacchi, such as an only annual activity report. These are the viewpoints to have when the local government considers planning of facility management.
