4. TÉCNICAS EXPERIMENTALES
4.3 ANÁLISIS METALOGRÁFICO
As mentioned above, the program has evolved to include female perceptions and concerns in creating safer public spaces. To better explore if the interventions have in fact established inclusive and safe spaces, 27 interviews were conducted at three intervened public spaces.
112 Ibid, 55
113 World-Habitat, "Programa Comunitario De Mejoramiento Barrial," news release, 2011, World Habitat Awards, accessed February 02, 2018, https://www.world-habitat.org/es/premios-mundiales-del-habitat/ganadores-y- finalistas/programa-comunitario-de-mejoramiento-barrial/#award-content.
71 Mariscal Sucre
Located in the central part of Mexico City in a middle-class neighborhood, Mariscal Sucre Park is found at the intersection of three of the City’s main arteries, Avenida Amores, Torres de Adalid and Avenida Division del Norte. Offices and other day-time establishments surround the park. It has a unique hexagon shape with multiple pedestrian bridges and high-volume streets crossing through it.
72 Map 5: Location of Mariscal Sucre
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Since 2013, Mariscal Sucre has benefited from the Programa Comunitario de Mejormaiento Barrial. Mariscal Sucre Park used the allocated funding to provide maintenance to its urban furnishings, painted the sidewalks, installed children play areas.
Figure 10: Park Mariscal Sucre
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The park is often visited by nearby residents in the early morning or early evening before dark "when it gets ugly." Interviews with users unveiled a concern for safety due to an increase in illicit activities such as drug consumption occurring in the park. Respondents believed lighting and children's play areas to be pointless without the support of local police surveillance highlighting the little attention this space receives compared to others in the area.
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Females suggest the space could benefit from increased policing, mainly female police officers who are perceived to present more significant support towards women, as well as adequate landscaping.
76 Gutierrez Najera
Gutierrez Najera park is located in the northeastern delegation of Venustiano Carranza. It is located in a primarily light industrial area of the city at the end of a closed street. The park was benefited by the Programa Comunitario de Mejoramiento Barrial as of 2014, hoping to rescue the space from further degradation.
77 Figure 14: Map of Gutierrez Najera
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The neighborhood committee proposed installing children play areas, outdoor exercise equipment, lighting fixtures, seating, and kiosks and increasing surveillance to create a safer and more inclusive space for female users.
Figure 15: Intervention
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Female users have identified these interventions as positive ones, testifying to the decrease in marihuana smokers and drunks as a consequence of the increased surveillance and lighting provided. All respondents view the interventions as critical components of creating an inclusive and safer space. “It is safer; there are not as many lonely dark areas where women can be dragged to." This is supported by the notion of having local government backing in the form of policing as well as maintaining the space clean and in good shape.
Another success the program intervention has had is attracting new users. When interviewed, many of the respondents mentioned they previously did not visit the park due to its run down condition. Others commented on increasing the frequency in which they visit as well as the times of day thanks to improved lighting, and additional recreational activities previously not available. Residents said this is visible by merely observing a shift in users. "If you notice, now the majority of visitors bring their kids or dogs." A consistent theme was the newly created comfort in visiting this public space.
Despite the successful increase of user ship, some female users still believe the space is exclusively for daytime use. Respondents shared concerns regarding nighttime patrolling. However, they recognize that delinquency is an issue found throughout the neighborhood. Placing full-time security booths has been a shared suggestion amongst all respondents.
80 Privada San Diego
Parque Privada San Diego is located within the southern delegation of Xochimilco in a primarily residential neighborhood. As of 2014, this public space has received funding. In 2015, this public space won the second round of funding to improve the sporting facilities. These works included building bleachers, expanding sanitary services and installing lighting fixtures.
81 Map 7: Privada San Diego
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Through conversations with local users, contradicting opinions were found. First, it is worth noting that long-time users have seen grand improvements from the original state over twenty years ago, to today's current condition. Many users believe space has become unsafe in recent years due to the lack of constant vigilance. Residents believe the improved sports facilities such as the fenced- off the soccer field has created spaces for opportunity crimes such as theft, as well as drug consumption. This action was carried out as a continual intervention supported by the Programa Comunitario de Mejoramiento de Barrio.
All interviewed women suggested increased lighting to create a more inviting space. Notably, they viewed eliminating dark spaces which are perceived as insecure to be a key component as to why women are not interested in visiting the area. This response echoes findings of studies previously carried out by researchers in the United
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Kingdom and the United States, where increased lighting “provided reassurance to people (particularly women) who were fearful in their use of public space”114.
Coupled with this, users suggested permanent surveillance in the form of policing, and cleaning service as they consider both aspects to deteriorate the overall ambiance. Furthermore, they view these upgrades necessary to complement the improvements already made. As one user pointed out “what is the point of having outdoor facilities if space is unsafe and dirty, who wants to come here".
Findings
Through archival research, expert and user interviews many findings have been identified within the Programa Comunitario de Mejoramiento Barrial. An overarching theme found is that while the spaces are intervened to be made safer and more inviting, female visitation is a day time-limited activity. All beneficiaries agreed that to create a more inviting nocturnal environment for women, the perceived safety of the space would need to increase.
Tied to this issue is the need for better coordination among different levels and agencies within the government. Through interviews with experts, it was clear that policing is attributed to another agency. When tense relations appear, coordinated efforts become challenging. For instance, competing political parties make intergovernmental communication and coordination difficult.
114 Riggs, Mike, and CityLab. "Street Lights and Crime: A Seemingly Endless Debate." CityLab. February 11, 2014. Accessed April 2018. https://www.citylab.com/equity/2014/02/street-lights-and-crime-seemingly-endless- debate/8359/
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Furthermore, according to operational rules, local governments are tasked with maintaining the upgraded spaces. However, as documented through site visits and interviews this task is not always fulfilled. With limited timeframes for funding, many sites must ultimately depend on local authorities to care for long-term upkeep.