This video presentation seeks to examine the connection between horizontal modes of management, when residents provide direct input with their active engagment, in "third places", and social inclusion practice. Considering collective gardens as third places, the research put forward by Sahar Alinezhad explores how socio-spatial platforms frame neighborhood dynamics. Collective gardens are spaces for food production, sharing of knowledge, and meaningful social encounters. Based on not-for-profit exchanges pf tangible and intangible resources. collective gardens favor a wide array of non-hierarchical social interactions leading to engaged communities. Moreover, as low-key venues for social gatherings of individuals at the neighborhood scale, collecticve gardens constitute prototypical platforms for socially sustainable urban living and could serve as transitional spaces towards social integration contributing to social cohesion of the neighborhood. 

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Sahar Alinezhad is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia University. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Urbanism and her Master's Degree in Urban Design. Her research interest focuses on the livability and convivality of urban spaces as well as urban quality of life and wellbeing. Presently, her research focuses on collective gardens and self-organizing. More specifically, her research aims to identify if and how collective autonomous practices facilitate social inclusion processes in third places. Sahar aims to empower local communities to actively participate in decision-making processes for their neighborhood common spaces.