Public spaces, social relations and well-being in East London
- Author/Editor(s):
- Nicholas Dines, Vicky Cattell, with, Wil Gesler, Sarah Curtis
- Format:
- Paperback , 56 pages , 297 x 210 mm
- ISBN
- 9781861349231
- Published:
- 01 Sep 2006
- Series:
- Public Spaces series
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About This Book
Public spaces are a fundamental feature of where we live, representing sites of sociability and acting as a perceived measure of the quality of urban life. The rejuvenation of public spaces is also a key policy concern. This report draws on qualitative research in a multi-ethnic area of East London to consider the social value of spaces. As well as green spaces, the study looks at everyday spaces not usually highlighted in research or policy. It considers spaces along with place attachment, and explores the different types of social encounter spaces afford and analyses relationships between ethnicity and public space, and reflects upon the potential of spaces for fostering inter-ethnic understanding. It investigates links between different public spaces and well-being and discusses social and symbolic aspects of places and highlights a market which encapsulates many of the valued features of public space, shows how regeneration proposals raised 'public space consciousness' and addresses policy implications. By providing a significant contribution to current debates around links between public spaces, social relations and well-being, the findings have particular implications for 'Cleaner, Safer, Greener', 'Community Cohesion', 'Sustainable Communities' and 'Choosing Health' policies. The study will be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics in public space, regeneration, community cohesion and community involvement, as well as those with an interest in well being.
Author Biography
Nicholas Dines was recently a Research Fellow at Queen Mary, University of London. His doctoral research centred on public spaces in Italy. Vicky Cattell is a Senior Research Fellow at Queen Mary, University of London. Her earlier research explores social networks and their role in community life and individual well-being.Wil Gesler is Professor of Geography at the University of North Carolina. Sarah Curtis is Professor in Geography at Queen Mary, University of London.Contents
Introduction
Setting the scene
Social relations in public space
Ethnicity and public space
Public space and well-being
Regeneration and public space: a case study of Queens Market
Conclusions and policy implications.
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