The night offers unique opportunities and challenges for the use of private and public spaces. At night, the boundaries between these spaces can become blurred, with people seeking to socialize and engage in leisure activities both indoors and outdoors. At the same time, the night can also be a time of heightened risk and vulnerability, especially for marginalized and minority populations.
One of the key challenges in understanding the role of private and public space at night is the complex interplay between social norms and cultural values. For example, in some cultures, the night is associated with danger and risk, leading to greater regulation and surveillance of public spaces. In other cultures, the night is celebrated as a time of revelry and social interaction, leading to more permissive attitudes towards public gatherings and leisure activities.
The impact of nighttime activities on private and public space can also be significant. In private spaces, the use of light and sound can have a profound effect on the quality of life for individuals and communities. For example, noise from nearby nightclubs or bars can disrupt the sleep of residents, leading to stress and health problems. In public spaces, the impact of nighttime activities can be felt in terms of safety and security, with concerns about crime, violence, and harassment.
Design and planning of private and public spaces can play an important role in promoting safe and enjoyable nighttime experiences. This includes considerations such as lighting, sound insulation, and the provision of public amenities and services. The use of technology and smart city initiatives can also be effective in promoting safe and inclusive nighttime experiences.
The study of private and public space at night offers a rich and complex area of inquiry, highlighting the importance of considering the multiple factors that shape nighttime experiences. By understanding the social, cultural, and physical dynamics of the night, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable approaches to urban development, promoting healthy and inclusive communities that thrive both day and night.
Scientific Committee ’23
4th ICNS Soundtrack
About ICNS.LX
The 4th International Conference on Night Studies is an international event that aims to echo frontier research, artistic works and professional practices related to the study of the urban night in multiple contexts worldwide.
This event aims to be a platform for sharing ongoing or recent research, opening a critical and interdisciplinary debate, and boost e-networking, bringing together academia and society.
ICNS.Lx_4 will be held in hybrid mode (on-site in Lisbon at NOVA University Lisbon – Campolide Campus, and online) from Oct 11th to Oct 13th, 2023.
ICNS is a collaborative effort of the International Night Studies Network (INSN) and the LXNIGHTS Research Group with the institutional support of the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte), the Interdisciplinary Center of Social Sciences at NOVA University Lisbon (CICS.NOVA), the Institute of Sociology – University of Porto (ISUP).
ICNS.LX 