(HONG KONG) A social-psychological study by the College of Professional and Continuing Education has shown some intriguing results when it comes to perceptions of public space.An affiliate of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the study revealed that public space was perceived as more restorative with street performance than without street performance. In addition, people who had engaged with street performance in the space perceived the space as more visitable, more restorative, and more preferable than people who had not engaged with street performance.

This can have an interesting and dynamic influence when it comes to public policy-making. When updating areas in need of an overhaul, busking and street performing can only help in restoring run-down regions.

Some scientific assumptions and limitations were employed. For example, the study only considered music-only buskers. The study only allows to postulate a standard effect of street performance on the perception of public space. It cannot account for the sociocultural influence.

Future studies should consult a cross-cultural perspective to clarify the effect of street performance on public space.
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