These days loitering is associated with anti-social behaviour when it actually simply means ‘to stand or wait around without apparent purpose.’ (1) Young people loiter in this space but often feel self-conscious, under surveillance and fearful of being moved on (2).
Why is loitering perceived so negatively? Why can’t loitering be lovely? Why can’t this space be re-designed to encourage better loitering? As Setha Low says, public spaces like Cambridge Leisure Park are ‘vital for people to socialise, learn, and play’ and for ‘people’s sense of place, belonging and inclusion.’ These are all essential components for human life that contribute to our happiness and well-being. (3)
This playlaw invites you to loiter well. How you interpret that is up to you!
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(1) Google – Oxford Languages. Interestingly, the Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘loiter’ as ‘the offence of waiting in a place, looking as if you’re going to do something illegal.’
(2) Hilary Cox Condron Tweet 1
(3) Setha Low ‘Why Public Space Matters’ 2003
(4) Hilary Cox Condron Tweet 2
