The Socio-economic Conditions on which Square Exists

Abstract

Square is a space which corresponds well to premodern society. Therefore the dissolution of premodern society, that means the formation of modern society, changes many of the socio-economic conditions of its existence and brings about the qualitative change of square itself.
In pre-modern society, where man lives in original unity with nature, individuals must support their own lives as natural individuals (Natürliche Individuen), that is, as integral members of a primitive community (ursprüngliche Gemeinschaft) or a pre-modern community (Gemeinde) which shows local totality based on natural environment and human relationship. Inevitable and indispensable is the moment which brings about a medium between individuals and the structure of a pre-modern community which involves all the aspects of their lives from production to consumption and which makes them an integral part of a primitive community or a premodern community. Square in pre-modern society exists and functions as an actual open space which ensures this moment physically.
On the other hand the formation of modern society, which is dominated by capitalism, requires and encourages the dissolution of a pre-modern community called ‘le microcosme localise’ or the complete unnaturalization of man. Man acts as labour power which is purely subjective without objective means of production. He is solitary and self-generalized. Here is neither community structure nor actual collectiveness of people which gives rise to a community. Individuals reproduce their own lives while they are isolated from their fellows. The whole society represents the real relationship based on the mutual isolation. Therefore there is no square which functions as a medium between individuals and the group which should be their community. The only thing modern man requires in his social and psycological solitude is the moment which enables him to exchange his feelings with his fellows to console the lonesomenss. From this point of view people agree with the establishment of a common and public open space, ensure its availability, want to enter it and get some satisfaction from it. Here lie the weak conditions of modern square.