Public Art in Beijing Metro: Spatial Production, Place Reconstruction, and Urban Cultural Image Shaping

Abstract

This study explores the role of public art in Beijing Metro in shaping the city’s cultural image from the perspectives of spatial production and place reconstruction. By integrating Henri Lefebvre’s spatial triad theory and Edward Relph’s place reconstruction theory, a “space-place-culture” analytical framework is constructed. Through mixed research methods including literature review, field investigation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys, 15 representative metro stations and 15 public artworks are analyzed. The results show that Beijing Metro public art realizes spatial production through three dimensions: spatial practice, representations of space, and representational space. It reconstructs metro spaces into meaningful places with cultural connotations, thereby enhancing citizens’ cultural identity and shaping a unique urban cultural image that integrates tradition and modernity. This study provides theoretical supplements for the interdisciplinary research of public art and urban culture, as well as practical references for metro public art planning in other cities.