Speaker
Description
This research investigates the potential of flexible and inclusive urban design to enhance liveability and climate resilience in underserved urban environments, focusing on the case of Ramos Pool, Rio de Janeiro. Informal public spaces in areas with limited governance frequently face challenges of overdesign and neglect of socio-cultural contexts, leaving their adaptive potential untapped. This study addresses these gaps by examining how community-led and participatory design strategies can transform such spaces into vibrant, resilient environments.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews with stakeholders, social media data analysis, and on-site activity mapping. Through the lens of the City-Play Framework, the research explores how residents interact with and adapt public spaces in response to environmental and social pressures. Thematic coding of user-generated digital content (e.g., YouTube and Instagram) complements traditional observational methods, providing a comprehensive view of how design features are appropriated and reinterpreted by the community. Key findings highlight the success factors for temporary appropriation and participatory design in fostering adaptive, climate-resilient spaces.
This research makes three significant contributions. First, it advances the theoretical understanding of flexible urban design by situating it in the socio-cultural dynamics of informal environments in the Global South. Second, it provides actionable insights into participatory urban planning practices, emphasizing their role in fostering community-driven resilience. Finally, the study aligns with the UN-Habitat’s New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, offering scalable solutions for creating safe and inclusive public spaces.
The findings underscore the critical role of community engagement and flexible design in addressing contemporary urban challenges. This research provides a replicable framework for low-cost, adaptable solutions in similar settings, bridging gaps between global resilience strategies and localized urban realities.
References
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Mews, G.H., Fredslund Ottosen, N., Alpha, W., & Kargbo, P.A. (2022). Transforming life for young people through public space action in informal settlements in Sierra Leone. The Journal of Public Space, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v7i1.1507
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| Keywords | Flexible Design; Community-Led Resilience; Participatory Urban Planning; Temporary appropriation |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
