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

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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