Participatory Design and Self-building in Shared Urban Open Spaces

Focusing on community gardens in New York City's low-income neighborhoods, this book explores their evolution since the 1970s as vital public spaces. Despite challenges from land use conflicts and changing demographics, these gardens showcase participatory design and self-building by residents, reflecting their cultural backgrounds and community needs. The work emphasizes the significance of these gardens as expressions of collective will and advocates for their integration into future urban planning efforts.