Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This project explores the potentials for landscape architects to work with
public leisure space to promote socio-spatial integration. In order to explore
this topic, the project aims to propose a site approach for promoting sociospatial
integration through cross-group interactions in public leisure space.
Through a literature review, this project finds that cross-group interactions
in public leisure space can be considered a powerful tool for increasing
socio-spatial integration. The literature indicates that this process decreases
social divide by strengthening mental bonds, sense of belonging and
psychological well-being. Furthermore, several theoretical approaches
for promoting cross-group interactions through the physical configuration
of public space are found in the literature review. These findings are
synthesized into a matrix of socio-spatial design principles (SDP), which
functions as a theoretical framework for the Common Ground approach.
Most knowledge found through the literature review on how public leisure
space can promote socio-spatial integration were tangible enough to fit into
the design principles of the SDP. However, some found theories also pertain
to the process of producing space for socio-spatial integration. Based on
this knowledge, a process-oriented step focusing on public participation
and engaged action was created within the approach, called Participatory
prototyping. In this step, prototypes in scale 1:1 of certain design elements
are placed on site to create discussion, social engagement and a spatial
understanding of the design proposal.
In order to practically apply and synthesize different theories found in
the literature review, the Common Ground approach was created within
this project combining theory, analysis and public participation to read,
understand and design public leisure spaces. The purpose of using
the approach is to promote cross-group interactions and socio-spatial
integration. The five steps of the Common Ground approach are: 1)
Site portrait, 2) Socio-spatial site analysis, 3) Design, 4) Participatory
prototyping, 5) Adaptions.
This project evaluates the Common Ground approach by testing it in
Ögårdsparken, Malmö. The SDP was used throughout the approach for
reading and designing the site. For example, the socio-spatial site analyses
in step 2 provided a social interpretation of the park's spatial configuration.
The analyses were in line with descriptions about social use in the park
given by park visitors and experts, indicating that the SDP was a productive
tool for interpreting socio-spatial tendencies in public leisure space. Site
users' reflections on how to promote cross-group interactions in the park
strongly correlated with findings from the SDP, indicating that the matrix
may have practical applications. Furthermore, Participatory prototyping
in scale 1:1 proved an efficient way to create social engagement and
cross-group interactions on site, in addition to gathering insights about
the project. By synthesizing knowledge found through all steps of the
approach, a final proposal for the park could be produced.
The Common Ground approach was used to read, engage and design
Ögårdsparken for socio-spatial integration. In addition to a all steps
informing a design proposal for increased socio-spatial integration,
performing the approach in Ögårdsparken resulted in knowledge about
the site's socio-spatial qualities through applying the SDP and social
engagment from many user groups through the method Participatory
prototying. As such, this project finds the approach to be a productive way
to promote socio-spatial integration and cross-group interactions on site.
Future applications and adjustments to the approach may illuminate more
ways to work towards this goal.