FOREIGN FUTURES | EQUITABLE CITIES

Although urban populations are highly diverse, most cities are not designed to provide equitable access to urban amenities and infrastructure. Twentieth-century Western urban design standards were rooted in Eurocentric ideals, primarily addressing the needs of White, middle-aged, economically secure, able-bodied, neurotypical, cis-gender, heterosexual males.[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Those of us not fitting in this definition have been historically omitted from architectural design standards and urban studies.

Questions of urban inequity are particularly relevant in countries such as the settler state of Canada, where projections estimate that by 2041, one in three people will be a current or former immigrant.[7] In addition, two in five people will belong to racialized populations.[7] The percentage of immigrant women, especially racialized women, is also on the rise, and expected to comprise one-third of the total female population in Canada.[8] In addition, 22% of people currently identify as having at least one disability, which raises to 30% for indigenous people, and to 40% for seniors.[9] And these are only some of the identity markers that define the diverse population living in Canadian cities.

One key aspect of designing equitable cities is understanding the unique urban experiences of diverse populations. However, at present, city planners rely on quantitative and abstract urban studies that continue to render non-hegemonic social groups invisible.

How can we better understand the urban experiences of diverse communities to design more equitable cities?

This research lab explores the co-production of theory, mapping, and design with underprivileged and diverse communities.

Directed by:

Natalia Escobar Castrillón

Supported by:

Carleton University SSHRC Development Grant (2023-2024)

Inter-American Development Bank (2021-2022)

Carleton University International Research Seed Grant (2021-2022)

Previous Partners:

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

Ottawa Community Housing (OCH)

The Bridge Engagement

Canadian Women of Color Leadership Network

Herongate Tenant Coalition

Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Center (RRCRC)

References:

[1] L. Kern, Feminist city: A field guide. Toronto, Canada, ON: Between the Lines, 2019. 

[2] M. Frisch, “Finding Transformative Planning Practice in the Spaces of Intersectionality,” in P. L. Doan (ed.), Planning and LGBTQ communities: The Need for Inclusive Queer Spaces. New York, NY: Routledge, 2015, 129–146.

[3] R. McRuer, Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability, New York, NY: NYU Press, 2006.. 

[4] K. McKittrick, Demonic Grounds: Black Women and the Cartographies of Struggle. Minneapolis, MN: Univ. of Minnesota Press, 2006. 

[5] C. Irazàbel and C. Huerta, "Intersectionality and planning at the margins: LGBTQ youth of color in New York," Gender, Place & Culture, vol. 23, pp. 714–732, 2016.

[6] A. Browne, Dark Matters: On the Surveillance of Blackness, Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2015. 

[7] “Immigrants make up the largest share of the population in over 150 years and continue to shape who we are as Canadians,” Statistics Canada, 26-Oct-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026a-eng.htm. [Accessed: 21-Jan-2023]. 

[8] “Canada in 2041: A larger, more diverse population with greater differences between regions,” Statistics Canada, 8-Sep-2022 [Online]. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220908/dq220908a-eng.htm.

[9] “Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2022,” Statistic Canada, 8-December-2023 [Online]. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/action-plan-2022.html#