Urban public space : an examination of its qualitative attributes with special reference to sense of belonging

Abstract

Urban life becomes memorable when people are active in public spaces. The city used to be the center for art, thought and consequent relationships and always had a promise of something more. In early cities the urban built environment enhanced the man's freedom of thought, action and creativity. It generated strong characters unique to the users, where they felt that they are a part of the setting. The word 'city' once suggested 'civility' and those characters of culture and politeness which attend the term. However, with the turn of this century an apparent crisis in public life began which resulted in the loss of public realm. Now, there is disorder and people have lost the enjoyment of public life. Today 'city' means crisis, a crisis brought by past neglect, present indecisiveness and future explosions of undetermined effects. The population densities and the requirement of space for them and the growing activities increased after the industrial revolution, and the situation is worsening during the recent past, vanishing the public life that is so vital to a city's well being. The problem of the city has undoubtedly achieved a magnitude of attention in recent times. Concern with the problem of cities, is therefore more than simple idealism or passing academic fancy; it stems from fear and great apprehension. If urban problems are left to chance, or to indifference, the results will necessarily be tragic. We see in cities of the world, places where man can no longer live in safety, with convenience, with a sense of security or with a feeling of human dignity. Therefore it is necessary to take action to lead our cities to their survival and renaissance and this action must be guided towards one goal; to create a better city for man.