An Urban “Mixity”: Spatial Dynamics of Social Interactions and Human Behaviors in the Abese informal Quarter of La Dadekotopon, Ghana

Seth Okyere,Stephen Diko,Michihiro Kita,Miyuki Hiraoka

doi:10.3390/urbansci1020013

Seth Okyere, Stephen Diko + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci1020013

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Abstract

Informal settlements form part of the socio-spatial landscape of urban areas. Yet little is known about their spatial aspects, compared to the social aspects. With global attention on sustainable cities and inclusive urban planning, there is a need to pay attention to the spatial dynamics of human behavior and interactions as they have ramifications for the sustainable planning and design of informal spaces. Using observation and mapping, this paper emphasizes the spatial dynamics of social interactions and human behavior in the indigenous settlement of the Abese quarter of La Dadekotopon, Ghana. Spatially, the study identifies a hierarchical, irregular, and open system of roads and alleys that support residents’ everyday life. An “urban mixity” pattern of human behavior exists in the quarter, which denotes the social and physical use of informal urban spaces by residents to fulfill different needs at various times of the day. This creates lively urban spaces within the quarter. The location and physical characteristics, microclimate, and residents’ needs have contributed to this kind of informal urban spaces. This paper argues for planning and design improvement that integrate, rather than supplant, existing local physical characteristics, social interactions and human behaviors to maintain local identity and sustain urban life.

Highlights

Informal settlements represent a salient feature in the socio-spatial organization of cities and major towns in Ghana [1,2]
The “presence” [59] of La Dadekotopon section examines the spatial dynamics based on the social functions of clan houses, municipality, as an urban state in the
Abese quarter, is perhaps most behavior clearly manifested in the distribution and hierarchy of roads, as well as social interactions and human in open spaces community showers and sewers provided recently to improve conditions in the quarter in the quarter

Summary

Introduction

Informal settlements represent a salient feature in the socio-spatial organization of cities and major towns in Ghana [1,2]. Informal settlements are characterized by a lack of land tenure, poor housing conditions and inadequate access to basic housing and community facilities and services [8,9]. From these defining characteristics, about 78 settlements in the GAMA are considered to be informal settlements and require necessary improvements in physical, social, environmental and economic conditions [8]. The Abese quarter, in the La Dadekotopon Municipality of GAMA, the focus of this paper, is considered to be an urban informal settlement.

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