Participatory Design and Self-building in Shared Urban Open Spaces

Focusing on community gardens in New York City's low-income neighborhoods, the book explores their evolution since the 1970s as vital public spaces. These gardens, featuring self-built structures, reflect the cultural backgrounds and preferences of urban residents, showcasing their participatory design efforts. Despite challenges from conflicting land use interests and shifting resident groups, these gardens persist as essential elements of the urban landscape. The text advocates for their inclusion in future urban planning, emphasizing the community's desire for shared land use.