الملخص الإنجليزي
Abstract:
This paper presents the findings of a research that focused on understanding the everyday activities, preferences and motivations for using urban public outdoor spaces in Bahrain, with emphasis on the experiences of migrants. Bahrain has a superdiverse population with a distinguishing pattern of temporary
migration. Linking to theories on social values of public open spaces (POS), the research used a qualitative methodology integrating ethnographic tools of observation and interviews. Participants included Bahraini and migrant groups to examine diverse personal interpretations and socio-spatial associations. Employing a case study approach, the research looked at eight case studies including formal and informal urban POS in Bahrain. The findings highlighted the importance of POS in Bahrain for different leisure practices and patterns of outdoor sociability and demonstrated how these reflect different cultural values. It concluded that the affordances of POS in facilitating the cultural practice of beingoutdoors in cities help migrants pursue their cultural leisure practices and connect with home and other migrant groups. These promote wellbeing and sense of belonging. It also revealed how spatial qualities of everyday outdoor spaces can support both the processes of adaptation and integration. The research concludes that design and management of informal spaces can support migrants’ positive experiences.
