Urban Wastelands: Can They Support New Uses and Perceptions of Spontaneous Nature? Comparison of Residents and Planners’ Perceptions
Urban wastelands are spaces without an official function, in contrast with the surrounding urban fabric. They are temporary and informal green spaces with spontaneous vegetation, and represent a habitat for many plant species: their interest for urban biodiversity is now well-known. They also represent places to increase residents’ contact with nature and meet the growing social demand for nature in the city. Moreover, their interest for development is widely documented in urban planning; however, planners’ perceptions on urban wastelands have been insufficiently studied. The aim of this work is to explore the perceptions of urban wastelands both by planners (owners and non-owners of wastelands) and residents living near these spaces. A specific survey methodology for each type of stakeholder has been set up in our study sites, the Tours and Blois conurbations. Some of the local residents adopt temporary uses of urban wastelands, which are often tolerated by the owners and do not affect the final uses of the land, mainly development and marketing, when the land is supposed to be built. Despite contrasting views between planners and residents, urban wastelands are mostly represented as untended, abandoned, vegetated and temporary spaces. However, for some residents, this uncertain future has a positive aspect, as it is linked to an idea of “freedom” that confirms the social demand for empty spaces in the urban fabric by some residents. Two approaches for a better integration of the wastelands in the city are suggested in the conclusion, which would make it possible to enhance the value of these temporary urban spaces for residents and managers.