The significance and meanings of public space improvement in low-income neighbourhoods ‘colonias populares’ in Xalapa-Mexico

There is a strong relationship between people and public places, and streets, parks and green areas embody values and symbolic meanings for their users. The purpose of this article is to discuss the significance, roles, benefits and opportunities attributed by inhabitants to their public spaces during transformation and improvement processes in low-income urban neighbourhoods known as ‘colonias populares’ in Mexico. The main question is about what public space improvement means for public space promoters, and what is the significance and importance of public places in the neighbourhood environment. A general assumption by some urban researchers (e.g. Amante, 2003; Matas, 1988; Viviescas, 1997) is that public spaces do not hold much value for inhabitants: however, this article demonstrates that in these deprived urban environments, there are residents for whom public space is an important component of urban development. Consequently, they trigger public space development and attribute meanings and values to the public environment that are crucial for the healthy and sustainable development of urban life.

► Public spaces play a very important role in the development of colonias populares. ► Residents advocate, work and struggle for the development of public space. ► Public spaces embody social, political, environmental and symbolic meanings. ► Spaces communicate messages about the processes of urban transformation. ► Public spaces contribute to residents' human development in all dimensions.