Abstract

Through a historical review, this paper aims to provide additional understanding of what characterises “zoning” and “mixed-use” spaces other than functional separation and admixture. Space is constructed by social institutions; conversely, social institutions can be spatially constructed. Zoning and mixed-use are both spatial strategies for controlling human behaviour and social practice. To a large extent, zoning serves social institutionalization, while mixed-use on the contrary assists social de-institutionalization, or re-institutionalization. It would be absurd to say that one overrides the other, as each of them has its own social significance in history. Zoning favours a highly instrumental and controllable way of cultivating patterned behaviours, while mixed-use reconciles and balances the power struggle between society and individuals. In other words, mixed-use is a way of creating extra meaning, value and plurality of existing spaces, and by doing this, it dissolves designated social norm and constraints, thereby emancipating people from space control. These two spatial forms are either intertwined, or one supersedes the other in turn, constantly shaping human lives. The striving for individuality, equality and for their associated spatial forms is an abiding theme throughout human history; zoning and mixed-use spaces in most general sense are the manifestations of this struggle.