Measurement of high-density public space in Macao from the perspective of publicity

Macao, a long-established high-density city, presents a unique feature that distinguishes it from other cities in the evolution of public space.From the theoretical perspective of political philosophy, this paper draws on the theoretical framework of the “public domain” to make the point about the public domain types, which include representative public domain, civic public domain, civil public domain, and the public domain that loses power. By summarizing public space measurement model in existing studies and developing the quantitative measurement index system applicable to the actual situation of public space in Macao, this paper aims to verify the ideas about the public space domain types in Macao and to analyze its characteristics.Quantitative elements include GIS data statistical analysis for physical properties of public space in Macao and Google Street View scores for public space facilities. The results of spatial clustering analysis show that Macao has produced distinct public domain types which differ in property rights, morphological characteristics, and other attributes under its high-density built environment development. Finally, combining the characteristics of the four public domains in the measurement indicators, this study attempts to infer the impact of Macao’s public space on daily use in the structural transformation process and proposes some suggestions to improve the public life quality.