Informal Use of “Marginal Open Space” Along Residential Streets in a Nigerian City

Abstract

In today’s highly regulated cities, a conspicuous pattern of marginal open space has emerged between buildings and streets. With rapid population growth, different activities are also emerging in the open spaces, particularly in the cities of developing countries. This study explores the informal use of the marginal open spaces along residential streets in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to identify the physical planning implications. The data for this study were mainly collected through a questionnaire survey and open space measurements. Findings established that the major activities in the open space were necessary (earning income), socio-cultural and leisure pursuits. Land-use problem occurrence index (LPOI) showed that the significant challenges associated with the use of the space were an increase in travel time to destinations (LPOI = 4.33), open space littering (LPOI = 4.17), traffic and pedestrian congestion (LPOI = 4.17), and degradation of aesthetics (LPOI = 3.99). It is therefore concluded that the use of marginal open space has both positive and negative effects on the residential environments of the Nigerian city. The study adds to the body of knowledge in urban studies by empirically investigating the physical planning implications of the everyday use of marginal open space in a developing country.

Measuring human perception of residential built environment through street view image and deep learning

“…Openness was one of the important physical features affecting the comfort of street space. The sky element could improve human perception and psychology (Adebara et al 2022, Xu et al 2023. In the street space, the high openness can increase the aesthetic of the streetscape, thereby promoting the attractiveness and comfort of the street built environment (Ma et al 2021).…”

Use or Misuse of Urban Streets? Exploration of Everyday Urbanism in Traditional City Centres

“…The results of this study corroborate the findings of previous research that the need for economic survival and the lack of environmental amenities are important reasons why people in developing countries keep using public spaces for different activities despite strict regulations by urban planners (Abolade & Adeboyejo, 2013;Adedeji et al, 2014;Afon et al, 2006). Due to the limited economic means available to the poor and the government's disregard for the deficiency of natural amenities, urban public spaces have become workplaces for the underprivileged (Adebara et al, 2022;Handoyo & Setiawan, 2018;Okanlawon & Odunjo, 2016). The study also showed that culture and social lifestyle were the third important factor determining everyday urbanism and the use of the streets.…”

“…Although strict regulations and control over public spaces exist, people-centred (bottom-up) interventions occur in traditional city centres. For instance, some residents often appropriate the street space for various purposes, such as informal trading, prayers, and social ceremonies (Adebara, 2017;Adebara et al, 2022). However, while such action exemplifies the rights people claim to suit their requirements and improve their daily living experience, some argue that the misuse of public spaces can generate land-use problems (Adedeji et al, 2014;Jelili & Adedibu, 2006).…”