Exploration of informal space production and its potential for sustainable urban planning: A case study of community gardens in Piura, Peru

Abstract

The complexity of urbanisation is a significant obstacle to sustainable planning policies and strategies, particularly concerning the growth of informal spaces in developing countries. Occupying or appropriating such urban spaces gives these areas new functions. Building upon previous research, this study illustrates the spatial properties and explains the motivation for production in informal spaces for gardening and plant cultivation. Additionally, this paper considers activities conducted related to their use and utilisation patterns. Moreover, the work evaluates the positive impact of the informal gardens and supports requirements for their maintenance or improvement. Additionally, the study discusses how using public space for gardening can contribute to sustainable urban planning strategies and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study applies a quantitative and qualitative approach, combining a questionnaire, participant observations, plot mapping, and photographs, drawing on empirical evidence from Piura, Peru, to comprehensively depict various processes at this site. The field analysis illustrates why people transform such spaces and these areas' uses, highlighting the potential benefits of enhancing the ecological knowledge of urban dwellers. This process cultivates an appreciation for the role of urban gardens in promoting sustainability and improving quality of life. The work examines the role that the informal use of public space can play in urban planning and development strategies. Consequently, planners, committed to social justice, can use these processes as a roadmap for constructing a more inclusive, responsive and equitable city.