The Forgotten and the Future

Reclaiming Back Alleys for a Sustainable City

Bibliographic Data

ID5016038
AuthorsJennifer Wolch (0000-0003-4252-7495, College of Environmental Design, University of California, Berkeley, 230 Wurster Hall #1820, Berkeley, CA 94720-1820, USA, corresponding author), Josh Newell (University of Michigan), Joshua Newell (0000-0001-6917-2802, University of Michigan, corresponding author), Mona Seymour (Loyola Marymount University, corresponding author), Hilary Bradbury Huang (USC Center for Sustainable Cities, 3518 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0048, USA, corresponding author), Kim D Reynolds (0000-0002-9114-1583, Claremont Graduate University, corresponding author), Kim Reynolds (Claremont Graduate University), Jennifer Mapes (0000-0001-5503-0707, University of Southern California, corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume42
Issue12
Pages2874-2896
Publication date2010-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnvironment and Planning A Economy and Space (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0308-518X • E-ISSN: 1472-3409
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1068/a42259
OpenAlexW2171428968
LanguageEN
Citations received19
References cited32

Alleys are enigmatic, neglected features of the urban fabric. In this paper we explore the distribution, physical features, activity patterns, and resident perceptions of alleys in one major US city, Los Angeles, California. We do so through an integrated mixed-methods strategy involving participatory research with community-based organizations, spatial analysis, physical audits and behavioral observation of alleys, and focus groups. Results show that most alleys in Los Angeles are underutilized and walkable, quiet, and clean, although they can be, and are often perceived as, dirty and unsafe. Alley density is greatest in park-poor, low-income Latino and African-American neighborhoods. Alleys represent unrealized community assets that could be transformed by urban planners and managers into 'green infrastructure' to simultaneously offer multiple ecological, economic, and social benefits-including urban walkability and mobility, play space and green cover, biodiversity conservation, and urban runoff infiltration-and thereby to contribute to a more sustainable urbanism

Built environment · Business · Civil engineering · Economics · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Political science · Recreation · SAFER · Walkability · Engineering · Noise Effects and Management · Urban Green Space and Health · Urban Transport and Accessibility

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