espacio público para todos, a work sample
DESCRIPTION
A 4-page, condensed version of my graduate work.TRANSCRIPT
Using Purpose-Oriented Amenities to Enhance Childhood Development in Mexican Public Spaces
LAUREN EWALD
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
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.
Auto-Ethnographic Video Study, Route Map ►43 students in Vistas del Cerro Grande participated in the auto-ethnographic study, answering questions at various community public spaces indicated along the route.
(Image modified from Google Earth)
ESPACIO PÚBLICO PAR A TODOS //
ABST
RAC
T
Using Purpose-Oriented Amenities to Enhance Childhood Development in Mexican Public Spaces
Select Images from Vistas del Cerro Grande ◄ ▲Fifth and sixth grade students recorded each other and discussed their concerns and desires for community public spaces.
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.
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.
Self-Actualization
Self-Esteem
Belonging/Love
Safety
Physiological
pursue inner talent, creativity and ful�llment
achievement, mastery, recognition, respect
friends, family, spouse, and lover
security, stability, freedom from fear
food, water, shelter, warmth
THE
WIS
H L
IST
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.
Calle Principal // Public Street
Plaza Mayor // Central Square
Camino Peatonal // Pedestrian Access Way
Terreno Baldio // Vacant Lot
Using Purpose-Oriented Amenities to Enhance Childhood Development in Mexican Public Spaces
LAUREN EWALD