Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Participation in Place-Making: Enhancing the Wellbeing of Marginalised Communities in Aotearoa/New Zealand

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posted on 2023-03-13, 22:51 authored by Ricketts, Andrea

This research examines the relationship between community participation in public space decisions and the wellbeing of marginalised communities. A cross-disciplinary literature review and four New Zealand case studies investigate if community participation in public space design enhances the wellbeing of marginalised communities, and if so, how this is best done. The findings from the literature review, case study interviews and surveys show strong evidence that participation in place-making does enhance the wellbeing of marginalised communities in New Zealand. Furthermore, four aspects of community wellbeing stand out as being most significantly enhanced by participatory processes. These are an increased empowerment, enhanced vision-making and advocacy capabilities, an increased collective action and an enhanced sense of pride, belonging and connectedness to community. The findings also identify a comprehensive range of processes that are critical to effective participatory projects. The range includes community-led support initiatives, community involvement in social analysis, celebration events, engagement processes for visioning and decision-making, work-group collaboration, involvement in implementing, partnerships with stakeholders and post-project involvements. Two actions that are critical to gaining authentic engagement in these processes is participant involvement in the initial preparation processes and the appointment of a community advocate to plan and facilitate the participatory process. This research is distinguished by identifying effective participatory processes that are typically under-utilised or not considered in conventional public consultation work. Furthermore, it provides strong evidence that these participatory processes enhance the wellbeing of marginalised communities.

History

Copyright Date

2008-01-01

Date of Award

2008-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Architecture

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Architecture

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Architecture

Advisors

McIndoe, Graeme