2025/06/24 by Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez · 2 voices · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Health Professions · #Children's Rights and Participation #Homelessness and Social Issues #Place Attachment and Urban Studies
paper · doi:10.1080/23748834.2025.2508663
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.