Eyes on the alley: children’s appropriation of alley space in Riverdale,Toronto

ABSTRACT

Recent research suggests that numerous positive physical, cognitive, and social benefits can be derived from independent mobility and play agency amongst children, necessitating an understanding of how physical and social environments facilitate this development. This study involved parents, and children aged 9–13 from twelve households in the neighbourhood of Riverdale in Toronto. Using a mapping exercise to instigate discussion, participants were asked to describe where, how, and with whom play occurs in their neighbourhood. A reoccurring theme emerged amongst households that border a back alley where parents perceived this space as safer allowing them to grant greater independent mobility to their children and use this space as an intermediary tool to prepare their children for greater independence. For children, this space serves as one of creative appropriation, granting them access to more space and friends to play with. Situated within the context of age-friendly cities, this research identifies several socio-spatial qualities found in alleys that have the potential to contribute to the discussion of more inclusive city-building practice.     

转型期中国城市更新背景下旅游地视觉景观生产研究——以成都宽窄巷为例

转型期城市更新背景下的旅游地视觉景观生产是不同利益主体共同参与、博弈的结果,对于提升城市形象、带动经济发展意义显著。以成都宽窄巷为例,采用深度访谈和参与性观察,剖析了转型期中国城市更新背景下政府、开发商、商家、居民、媒体的视觉景观生产过程。研究发现,不同利益主体的视觉景观生产的目的与方式不同,进而导致旅游地视觉景观生产呈现出独特的结果。论文最后强调旅游地只有积极构建多主体参与的视觉景观权力关系,形成相互依赖、相互制衡的关系格局,才能促使社会效益最优。