Public space for women: a cross-cultural study assessing spatial conviviality in Blida, Algeria and Madrid, Spain

ABSTRACT

Spatial conviviality for women is an emerging research area in the international scene that needs contextualization. This comparative study focuses on Place Ettoute in Blida, Algeria, and Plaza De Felipe II in Madrid, Spain. The paper identifies common features and differences that contribute to the conviviality of public spaces for women in each location. The two case studies are observed and analysed using an analysis grid of four key dimensions: safety, functionality, comfort, and dignity. While the first three dimensions are similar in both contexts, the “dignity” dimension, influenced by cultural and social factors, showcases notable differences. The study concludes that women-friendly cities can exhibit diverse practices based on geographic, religious, and cultural contexts. It aims to provide an analytical tool to identify these differences and assist urban planners in understanding the influence of cultural factors on spatial conviviality and urban design.

KEYWORDS:

• Spatial conviviality
• culture
• public space
• gender
• Spain
• Algeria

Acknowledgments

Special acknowledgments go to Dr. Fatima Zohra Belkhir from the International Network of Algerian Scientists INAS, Dr. Bachira Allouche, Miss Tasneem Benhamouche, and Miss Sarra Achoura, EPAU.

Disclaimer statement

This project no. 2019-1-ES01-KA107-063778 has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research leading to these results has received funding from the Erasmus+ Programme under the grant agreement no. 2019-1-ES01-KA107-063778 jointly with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR), Algeria.