VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

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Context: The diversity of the population who lived in the same city is increasing during the last decades. Immigration or rural exodus generate a concentration of diversity in terms of social class, age, handicap, or culture (Gaucher, 2011). Aims: This diversity can contribute to grows the city. For example, at work, having a collective of workers with different background and experiences improves their capacity to cope with difficulties (Villemain & Godon, 2015). In this communication, the goal is to identify what is needed to create an inclusive place to optimize the capability of people who use it. Method: A literature review had been done to create the concept of “Enabling space”. In a second time, the concept had been tested in different contexts in Quebec like multigenerational housing, work environment or district park. Results: Enabling Space can be defined as a stage allowing actors to do what they want to the extent of their potential. It exists if people are engaged and contribute to transform the collective life in order to fulfill and emancipate themselves. A single place is influenced by different dimensions: macroscopic (political, legislation, culture); mesotopic (organization, rules institutions); microscopic (occupational situation, actors’ characteristics, rallying). To create an enabling space, six attributes had been identified: partnership, quietude, safety, flexibility, stimulation and empowerment. Discussion: To contributes to transform a city into a livable city, it is central to understand the human needed in his singularity and his occupational situation. By this comprehension, it will be easier to adapt the space to his needs and facilitate his engagement and his sense of belonging.