Public spaces (i.e., parks, public squares, libraries) are accessible to all, and have the potential to foster a sense of community by enabling chance encounters. Many public spaces, and some privately owned spaces (i.e., cafes, shopping malls) also constitute “third places”, defined as informal gathering places that exist outside the home or workplace (the first and second places) that facilitate proximity and relationship building between community members. Public spaces can even serve as informal settings for mental health support and physical health education and outreach.
People with SMI frequently use public space to access resources, entertain themselves, feel a sense of belonging and calm, and provide social interaction. People experiencing homelessness also use public space for these purposes, as they live out the activities of daily life in public space. However, cities and municipalities are increasingly making public spaces less-user friendly and more restricted, shifting research on public space from the utility it offers to the consequences of exclusion.
Related Projects
IREACH
Funder: xxx
Principle Investigator/Project Lead: Dr. Liat Kriegel
[Description of project]