Abstract
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Landsc. Archit. Front. ›› 2024, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (4) : 58-69. DOI: 10.15302/J-LAF-1-020099
PAPERS
Exploring the Inclusive Potential of Pet Parks From the Perspective of Spatial Justice: Hong Kong's Experience and Implications
Izzy Yi JIAN1 , Jiemei LUO2 , Caterina VILLANI3 , Kin Wai Michael SIU4
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Abstract
As social and economic dynamics continue to evolve and the demand for companionship increases, pet ownership has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Pet parks, as a new form of urban public space, are gaining significant attention. This study, grounded in the theory of spatial justice, employs a combination of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate four representative pet parks in Hong Kong, China. It explores how pet parks, as inclusive green infrastructure in high-density environments, contribute to urban community well-being and broader spatial justice. The study reveals the conflicts between pet owners and non-pet owners regarding the rights to use public spaces, examining how to guarantee the spatial rights of specific groups while avoiding harm to others. The findings indicate that green space availability, sociability and participation, walkability, safety, and flexibility in pet parks play a positive role in achieving urban spatial justice. However, pet parks also face challenges related to social exclusion and safety, requiring a balance between promoting community integration and ensuring public safety. This study offers valuable insights for the development of pet parks, the creation of vibrant and diverse public spaces, and the promotion of harmonious human-animal environments in cities across China and other Asian countries.
● Applies the spatial justice theoretical framework to the study of pet parks in an Asian city for the first time
● Explores the contribution of pet parks as inclusive green infrastructure in high-density environments to urban community well-being and spatial justice
● Points out that the frequency of pet park use is significantly correlated with its proximity, accessibility, affordability of use, and daily usage duration
● Highlights the green space availability, sociability and participation, walkability, safety, and flexibility in pet parks as factors conducive to realizing urban spatial justice
Landsc. Archit. Front. ›› 2024, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (4) : 58-69. DOI: 10.15302/J-LAF-1-020099
PAPERS
Exploring the Inclusive Potential of Pet Parks From the Perspective of Spatial Justice: Hong Kong's Experience and Implications
Izzy Yi JIAN1 , Jiemei LUO2 , Caterina VILLANI3 , Kin Wai Michael SIU4
Author information +
History +
Abstract
As social and economic dynamics continue to evolve and the demand for companionship increases, pet ownership has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Pet parks, as a new form of urban public space, are gaining significant attention. This study, grounded in the theory of spatial justice, employs a combination of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate four representative pet parks in Hong Kong, China. It explores how pet parks, as inclusive green infrastructure in high-density environments, contribute to urban community well-being and broader spatial justice. The study reveals the conflicts between pet owners and non-pet owners regarding the rights to use public spaces, examining how to guarantee the spatial rights of specific groups while avoiding harm to others. The findings indicate that green space availability, sociability and participation, walkability, safety, and flexibility in pet parks play a positive role in achieving urban spatial justice. However, pet parks also face challenges related to social exclusion and safety, requiring a balance between promoting community integration and ensuring public safety. This study offers valuable insights for the development of pet parks, the creation of vibrant and diverse public spaces, and the promotion of harmonious human-animal environments in cities across China and other Asian countries.
● Applies the spatial justice theoretical framework to the study of pet parks in an Asian city for the first time
● Explores the contribution of pet parks as inclusive green infrastructure in high-density environments to urban community well-being and spatial justice
● Points out that the frequency of pet park use is significantly correlated with its proximity, accessibility, affordability of use, and daily usage duration
● Highlights the green space availability, sociability and participation, walkability, safety, and flexibility in pet parks as factors conducive to realizing urban spatial justice
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 58-77 |
| Journal | Landscape Architecture Frontiers |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Pet Park
- Green Space
- Public Space
- Spatial Justice
- Inclusivity
- Hong Kong
