51吃瓜

Public spaces are accessed by diverse communities, maintained by different groups and have countless purposes within society. Clio Chaveneau, associate professor of sociology at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), studies formal and informal spaces and the role public spaces play in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE more widely.

“Public spaces serve as integral components within urban environments, reflecting the social structures in which they exist,” Chaveneau says. “In Abu Dhabi, it’s important to recognise that the city encompasses diverse spaces beyond its modern skyline.”

Chaveneau’s research distinguishes between formal and informal public spaces. While formal public spaces are administered by municipal or local authorities, informal areas arise organically to address social needs. 

“Informal public spaces are vital for fostering social interaction, offering areas for gatherings and activities,” Chaveneau says. “In a city with a substantial labour class who may lack private spaces, public areas function as extensions of domestic living rooms, facilitating social activities such as barbecues and similar gatherings.”

Public spaces contribute to a sense of community and belonging among the residents of Abu Dhabi by serving as venues for meeting individuals outside their immediate social circle. Different groups, reflecting the multicultural make-up of the UAE, can come together in these public spaces to celebrate shared interests such as sports and outdoor leisure. 

“Given that a significant part of Abu Dhabi’s population consists of immigrants, creating a feeling of belonging requires deliberate cultivation,” Chaveneau explains. “Informal spaces, which the residents utilise and adapt as needed, contribute significantly to this sense of belonging.”

Many informal public spaces in Abu Dhabi also provide individuals with an opportunity to exercise spatial autonomy. Residents have been observed repurposing spaces for activities such as cricket matches and gatherings, reinforcing the active role public spaces play in fostering a sense of connection, particularly for non-citizens.

The benefits of having vibrant public spaces can only be shared equally if they are accessible to every resident. In Abu Dhabi, the accessibility and inclusivity of its public spaces are important criteria in creating environments that can be used by different age demographics, expatriates and individuals with disabilities. “The public sphere reflects a broad commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging among the city’s diverse population,” Chaveneau says.

“Our research shows the city’s public spaces to be notably inclusive of women, contrasting with our findings from other global cities,” she says. “Public spaces are also utilised by diverse social classes, with certain areas catering to specific demographics. It’s also easy to find spaces designed for children in the city, including those with disabilities. In part, the inclusivity we see exhibited by Abu Dhabi’s public spaces can be attributed to the city’s high levels of security, which ensures everyone’s safety.”

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about Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.