Browsing by Author "Pourmojib, Dorsa"

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    From Social Equity to Spatial Equity in Urban Space Case Study: Olympic Plaza
    (2020-05) Pourmojib, Dorsa; Boutin, Marc; Keough, Noel; Miller, Byron A.
    Inclusivity is an important concept within social practices. However, in many urban spaces which are the platform for social interactions and behaviors, opportunities and resources are not distributed equally among urban dwellers. A diverse range of urban dwellers everyday use urban spaces. Nevertheless, in some cases, marginalized groups such as those with low incomes, immigrants from diverse cultures, and those with special needs may not be considered. Numerous research studies address the importance of establishing equitable urban spaces. But there is a knowledge gap; few studies focus on design strategies that manifest social equity. Put another way, there is a need for research that bridges the study of social equity and the provision of spatial equity. Therefore, this research proposes a spatial approach to inclusive urban design by using a four-step methodology. Firstly, a research framework based on the literature review and factors of successful urban spaces from different urban scholars' points of view is presented and analyzed. Afterward, various urban spaces are analyzed in terms of specific key research questions as precedent studies. By combining extracted design considerations from the precedent studies and literature review, several design strategies and criteria for inclusive and equitable urban design are introduced as a foundation for this research. Finally, an urban space in Calgary is chosen as a case study that has the challenge of social inequity and is analyzed both in terms of its spatial context and its stakeholders' needs. The outcome of this research is a new design for the case study that bridges the gap between social equity and spatial equity.