2025/06/24 by Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez · 2 voices · 3 citations
Health Professions · Social Sciences · #Children's Rights and Participation #Gender studies #Homelessness and Social Issues #Inclusion (mineral) #Place Attachment and Urban Studies #Political science #Public engagement #Public relations #Sociology
paper · open access · doi:10.1080/23748834.2025.2508663
published in Cities & Health 9(6), 1035-1051 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2025/06/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
This paper explores how urban segregation impacts children’s ability to engage with and temporarily appropriate public spaces, a critical aspect of their spatial, social, and cultural development. Using a post-qualitative inquiry, we integrate Temporary Appropriation and the Speculative Pluriversal Imaginary Research Assemblage Loop (SPIRAL) to examine children’s interactions in Auckland and Venice. While pristine playgrounds in cities like Auckland ensure safety, they isolate children (3–12 years old) from dynamic urban environments. In contrast, Venice’s integrated spaces foster spontaneous play. We propose design interventions that balance safety and exploration, contributing to regenerative urbanism and equitable public spaces. The study concludes with open-ended questions to inspire future research.