This book examines social innovation strategies in the collaborative development of spaces for growing food in cities. It enables readers to gain valuable insights into an innovative social and spatial practice whilst advancing knowledge in an emerging area of research. The book will also be of great relevance to social activists, urban designers, planners, and decision-makers with an interest in applying this expertise to their own neighbourhoods and cities.

Urban food growing spaces have multiplied in recent times. This green and inclusive urbanism creates social value for the health, wellbeing, and welfare of local inhabitants. Therefore, there is a convincing argument to investigate innovative spatial practices that can enable cities to meet the needs of an increasing population. Despite the mounting interest in collective approaches to sustainable development, limited attention has been given to the diverse ways in which this social action has been pursued. How are urban food growing spaces produced through social innovation? What are the innovative processes that can be translated in a replicable model to other cities, yet suitable for local needs, to support the development of healthier, more socially just built environments?

Autorentext

Dr Nicholas Ardill is an architect, lecturer and post-graduate researcher. He holds a PhD in Architecture and Urbanism awarded by the University of Portsmouth and a Post-Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Brighton, where he qualified as an Architect in 2014. First entering practice in 1998, he has worked in Winchester and London for leading architectural studios before starting his own practice. His extensive experience and knowledge in architectural design and construction processes are complemented with a passionate interest for research into sustainable cities and green urbanism. Since 2014, he has served as a visiting lecturer in the School of Architecture at the University of Brighton. His current research focus is on socio-spatial processes and dynamics around urban change. He has authored papers in peer-reviewed journals on urban planning and sustainable development.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Social Innovation and Civil Society: the Co-production of Urban Growing Spaces.- Chapter 3. Case Studies ofSocial Innovation in Urban Growing Spaces.- Chapter 4. Cross-case Observations.- Chapter 5. Discussion and Conclusion.- Index.