Irene GÓMEZ VARO, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Oriol MARQUET, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Carme MIRALLES-GUASCH, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Cities should be thought of as more than places where just to live in, but as liveable urban spaces that sustain life (Arundel et al., 2017). Creating vital neighbourhoods that can foster strong local networks for wellbeing while also enabling local proximity dynamics has long been a priority for urban planners. However, there are silenced voices of certain social groups that have been traditionally underrepresented or excluded form this urban discussion and planning decision-making process, such as young people (Bridgman, 2004). The presented work seeks to understand which spaces and elements of urban environment are considered as vital, promoters of life, care and, ultimately, wellbeing on the eyes of young people. In order to do so, we launched a photovoice project with a group of young participants in a peripheral low-income district of Barcelona. Photovoice is a Participatory Action Research method that engages participants using images (photo) and group discussions (voice) to document and reflect upon one’s own realities (C. Wang & Ann Burris, 1997). The study has served to identify elements that promote neighbourhood vibrancy. On the one hand, participants referred to certain urban physical features such as street furniture, presence of large green areas, public facilities and local shops. But also, they highlighted to intangible assets that contribute to build community, and hence, to urban life and wellbeing. Specially, they pointed at informal self-organizated initiatives which are directly related with social capital, neigbourhood identity and sense of belonging. The findings of this research can be incorporated in future practice willing to develop an inclusive planning that focus on everydaylife experiences and considers youth insights.
Mots clés : Photovoice|youth|urban vitality|public space|peripheral low-income district
A105155IG