Scale analysis in “urban commons”; in the case of the Miyashita Park, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

Abstract

This paper analyzed the concept of “urban commons” which economic geographers Harvey, D. presented from using the scale theories in human geography, through analyzing the controversy of Miyashita Park in Tokyo. When the management authority of the park shifts to the designated manager, a private company profits from the function of transportation and the image of the place created by every “user” of Miyashita Park. This process can be defined as “monopoly rent”. In this process, the upper scales such as countries and regions “integrate” the scales of the body, community, and urban space.