Using Purpose-Oriented Amenities to Enhance Childhood Development in Mexican Public Spaces LAUREN EWALD
ESPACIO PÚBLICO PAR A TODOS // ABSTR ACT
Using Purpose-Oriented Amenities to Enhance Childhood Development in Mexican Public Spaces
The issues infested in urban slum communities are many, of which I had no problem indentifying a dilemma specific to my interests in landscape architecture and socially equitable places. However, sustainable solutions specific to these dynamic urban forms and communities are unfamiliar academic territory. Extreme levels of poverty fostered in these communities cause deficiencies in a child’s development, who are often without access to a formal, structured education system (UNDP, 1999). Public spaces are particularly stimulating environments for youth learning and development, but most urban environments in shanty towns host a milieu of violence and crime, making most public streets and vacant lots unsafe. These conditions are ripe for visionary designers to intervene, improving the physical aspects of urban public spaces and specifically bettering the quality of life for children living in these communities. Answering this question required literature research and precedent studies, which was important for developing a thorough understanding of developmental theory as it relates to socio-economically disadvantaged
Auto-Ethnographic Video Study, Route Map ►
43 students in Vistas del Cerro Grande participated in the autoethnographic study, answering questions at various community public spaces indicated along the route. (Image modified from Google Earth)
children. By focusing my studies on public spaces in the neighborhood Vistas del Cerro Grande in Chihuahua, México, I began to understand the cultural idiosyncrasies specific to people living in urban shantytowns. Data collected from the neighborhood via surveys, interviews, community meetings, and an auto-ethnographic video study with fifth and sixth grade students provided an introduction to the community and the larger themes and objectives for future public space design. Visiting comparable communities in México City, México deepened my understanding as I was able to observe the daily lives of México City residents with diverse socio-economic statuses, hear their individual perspectives on the history and cultures, and relate to their frustrations with current political, economic, and societal systems. The methodologies described above culminated in a design typology specific to Vistas del Cerro Grande, consisting of public streets, pedestrian access ways, plazas, and vacant lots. These types form the backbone of my research report, which represents an evidence-based design palette of purpose-oriented amenities for positive childhood development in shanty town public spaces. The typology caters to the specific needs of the Vistas del Cerro Grande community, as identified in the research.
Select Images from Vistas del Cerro Grande â—„ â–˛
Fifth and sixth grade students recorded each other and discussed their concerns and desires for community public spaces.
THE WISH LIST Video Themes and Objectives for Public Spaces ►
Data from surveys, interview, community meetings, and the video activity is combined to identify the major “wish list” items for the children and Vistas del Cerro Grande residents.
Self-Actualization
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Forms a Basis for Public Space Design ►
Before public spaces provide opportunities for learning and creativity, urban design must first satisfy children’s basic needs. Safety is critical to successful public spaces in Vistas del Cerro Grande.
pursue inner talent, creativity and fulfillment
Self-Esteem
achievement, mastery, recognition, respect
Belonging/Love
friends, family, spouse, and lover
Safety
security, stability, freedom from fear
Physiological
food, water, shelter, warmth
Calle Principal // Public Street
Camino Peatonal // Pedestrian Access Way
Plaza Mayor // Central Square
Terreno Baldio // Vacant Lot Precedents from Latin and Central America Help Define Public Space Typology ▲
Precedents that meet the “wish list” items are farther evaluated against Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The precedents are inspirational for public spaces types specific to Vistas del Cerro Grande.