Women in the public realm

Description

This lunchtime talk and discussion investigates women’s perceptions and experiences of public spaces in contemporary residential developments outside city centres. Using a mixed-method approach that integrates spatial and sensorial analysis, it examines how urban design decisions shape use, inclusivity, and feelings of safety.

Historically, cities have been designed by and for men, often marginalising women, children, the elderly, migrants, and disabled people. This event seeks to understand the relationship between planned design intentions and lived, user-generated experiences. By focusing on both local spatial characteristics and wider urban networks, it aims to inform more inclusive urban design and improve public space accessibility.

Speaker: Constance Desenfant, WW+P

Chair: Hannah Smart, Chair Elect, Urban Design Group, Edge Urban Design

Constance is an associate urban designer with almost ten years’ experience leading major rail infrastructure and mixed-use masterplanning projects, with particular expertise in transit-oriented development, strategic transport corridors, and stakeholder engagement. Alongside practice, she has contributed to university programs through guest teaching and panel participation; and contributed to a design journal in London (DE Magazine). She is currently completing a PhD at UCL examining how the morphology of the built environment shapes women’s experiences in public space.