`Appropriations of urban spaces: stories from one city¿, Participatory Urbanism 2017

• Type: Summary of Presentation in an International Conference
• Date: 2017-04-07

Authors

Sara Santos Cruz (Author) FEUP; Rita Vaz (Author) FEUP

Other information

Subject: 'Appropriations of urban spaces: stories from one city'

Abstract (EN): Urban spaces should be conceived for people, meaning that they should be adequate to users, respond to their needs and desires, ultimately making people feel happy. It means that spaces should hold diverse and spontaneous activities, where people really feel they belong to. Beyond the uses and functions, we should look at how people appropriate the spaces. A research was conducted to reflect on formal and informal appropriations of urban spaces in the understanding of citizen's needs and desires. A review will point out some recent debates on the engagement of communities/citizens in thinking & designing more liveable spaces. The study on different real situations will allow the analysis of different forms of appropriations in the city of Porto, varying on the level of formality, types of activities and users, etc. Appropriation, especially involving informality, is associated with stronger sense of belonging & attachment, and identification of meanings of place.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific