Libraries, pools, and playgrounds: the contested renewal of social infrastructure in the aftermath of disaster

Keywords: social infrastructure, public space, disaster recovery, libraries, pools, playgrounds
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

In the aftermath of an urban disaster – which might arise from an earthquake, wildfire, hurricane or flood – the damage to homes and buildings, and to transport, water and electricity networks is often highly visible. In contrast, the impact on public facilities for learning, recreation and play may be less remarked upon. For long term recovery and community wellbeing, however, these public facilities and their function as sites for gathering and interaction are vitally important. Informed by this perspective, this paper explores the contested renewal of public facilities in Christchurch, New Zealand, a city heavily damaged by a series of earthquakes from 2010-2013. Particular attention is given to a set of libraries, pools and playgrounds, and to the political struggle that arose to ensure these facilities received sufficient attention and investment amidst the constrained fiscal circumstances following a $US30billion disaster. The need for shared vocabularies and value systems that were able to apprehend and then adequately convey the significance of such facilities is highlighted. This was particularly significant given the predominance of economistic and instrumental framings in post-disaster public discourse. Rather than viewing these public facilities as luxuries to defer or second order priorities in relation to the repair of physical infrastructure, the research underscores their importance for community and neighbourhood wellbeing.