Maintain Temporal Dynamics What temporal characteristic needs to be preserved within the historic marketplaces of Palermo to encourage sustained interactions?

Abstract

Immigration to Europe significantly increased in the 21st century, which challenges the integration of these immigrants. Palermo, is a significant destination for immigrants where tensions unfold between immigrants and locals. Many newcomers are economic immigrants seeking informal opportunities to secure their income in historical marketplaces where dynamic characteristics unfold. The aim is to identify the temporal characteristics that shall be retained within the historic marketplaces of Palermo, which encourage sustained interactions. The study uses Doreen Massey’s theoretical framework on temporalities (2005) and Gehl’s methods through an observational study (2013) in Ballaró and Vucciria markets. The results of the analysis demonstrate two market space typologies which encourage sustained interactions. Furthermore, five key spatial and social factors are defined as necessary to retain within historic marketplaces. Keywords: immigration, sustained interaction, immigrant-local coexistence, marketplaces, temporality, social and economic inclusion