Towards a Capability Based Framework for Public Space Valuation

Beata Sirowy (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)

Planners and decision makers often face challenges when making decisions regarding urban agriculture or other types of non-commercial, socially oriented projects, as their value cannot be fully grasped by cost-benefit analyses that focus primarily on short-term efficiency and utility. In this paper I will briefly review the existing ways of valuating public space interventions, point at their limitations and opportunities, and against this background draft a proposal of a valuation framework focusing on multidimensional quality of human life. Theoretical point of departure for this work is the capability approach, that builds upon the Aristotelian concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing).

The central questions of the capability perspective are “What am I able to do and to be? What are my real options?” (Nussbaum 2011:106). Accordingly, this framework brings to the analysis the idea of assets relevant for people and groups to fulfill their aspirations. Central capabilities are linked to themes such as Senses, imagination and thought; Emotions; Practical reason; Affiliation; Other species; Play; Control over one's environment (Nussbaum 2011:33-34). According to Nussbaum (2003:36), capabilities constitute “a set of basic entitlements without which no society can lay claim to justice”. What is crucial, capabilities are not only enhancing individual lives, but also influencing the ability of individuals to participate in democratic life of a society.

Importantly, this approach focuses neither on subjective life satisfaction nor on objective well-being measures, but emphasizes the freedom people have to shape their lives in meaningful ways and the importance of the enabling or disabling environment for the pursuit of well-being. It is therefore crucial that the operationalization of capabilities in the urban settings is always a context specific and participatory process. Action research methodology can provide valuable inputs as to the organization of the valuation process.