12 research outputs found
Ethnographic understandings of ethnically diverse neighbourhoods to inform urban design practice
The aim of this paper is to inform urban design practice through deeper
understanding and analysis of the social dynamics of public outdoor
space in ethnically diverse neighbourhoods. We hypothesise that
findings from ethnographic research can provide a resource that
improves cultural literacy and supports social justice in professional
practice. The primary method is a meta-synthesis literature review of 24
ethnographic research papers, all of which explore some dimensions of
public open space use and values in UK urban contexts characterised by
ethnic and racial diversity. We summarise thematic understandings and
significance of neighbourhood places of shared activity, parks, spaces of
passing-by and of retreat. We evaluate the implications for intercultural
social dynamics, exploring the spatial and temporal dimensions of
conviviality and racism in public open space. We then argue that it is
possible to develop principles for urban design practice informed by this
work, and propose four for discussion: maximising straightforward
participation, legitimising diversity of activity, designing in micro-retreats
of nearby quietness and addressing structural inequalities of open space
provision. We conclude that ethnographic research can provide detailed
insights into the use of the public realm and also inform a more nuanced
understanding of outdoor sociality relevant for an increasingly diverse
society. The challenge is two-fold: for ethnographers to become less
cautious in engaging with decisions and priorities regarding how cities
change, and for urban designers to explicitly embed informed
understandings of difference into their broad desire for inclusive public space
A Middle Palaeolithic wooden digging stick from Aranbaltza III, Spain
Aranbaltza is an archaeological complex formed by at least three open-air sites. Between 2014 and 2015 a test excavation carried out in Aranbaltza III revealed the presence of a sand and clay sedimentary sequence formed in floodplain environments, within which six sedimentary units have been identified. This sequence was formed between 137±50 ka, and includes several archaeological horizons, attesting to the long-term presence of Neanderthal communities in this area. One of these horizons, corresponding with Unit 4, yielded two wooden tools. One of these tools is a beveled pointed tool that was shaped through a complex operational sequence involving branch shaping, bark peeling, twig removal, shaping, polishing, thermal exposition and chopping. A use-wear analysis of the tool shows it to have traces related with digging soil so it has been interpreted as representing a digging stick. This is the first time such a tool has been identified in a European Late Middle Palaeolithic context; it also represents one of the first well-preserved Middle Palaeolithic wooden tool found in southern Europe. This artefact represents one of the few examples available of wooden tool preservation for the European Palaeolithic, allowing us to further explore the role wooden technologies played in Neanderthal communities