Abstract
This paper explores the spatial dynamics of street vending in a global South case study, focusing on the informal activities shaping public spaces. Street vending, a prevalent form of urban informality, plays a crucial role in (re)shaping the streetscape and providing employment opportunities for the urban poor. Despite its significance, street vendors often encounter minimal dignity and tolerance from authorities. Utilising observation, photography, fieldwork notes, archival records, and urban mapping, the study in the city of Tehran investigates street vending spatiality, considering factors such as functional mix, ground-floor storefronts, pedestrian flows, and gender. Empirical evidence indicates that street vendors are drawn to high pedestrian traffic, influencing public realm relationships, particularly among women. The paper demonstrates a strong association between street vending and increased activities of women, despite limited use of public space by women vendors. The findings also highlight the prevalence of a male-dominated environment in the context of street vending in the studied area. This paper provides insights for developing context-specific design interventions acknowledging the diversity of street vendors and supporting their activities in the public realm.
Presenters
Nastaran PeimaniReader in Urban Design, Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, Cardiff [Caerdydd GB-CRD], United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Informality; Public Space; Street Vending; Built Environment; Typology; Urban Mapping
