Social networks and spatial character a study of socio-spatial transformations of open spaces in traditional neighbourhoods of Indian cities

Abstract

The present paper is part of an ongoing Doctoral Research which engages in the documentation and evaluation of the mutual relationship between the tangible aspects of traditional Indian cities and the socio-spatial aspects of living processes therein. It explores the physical transformations in terms of enclosures, edges, movement systems, visual qualities, other physical and spatial aspects of an urban space affecting the social interactions within the city, with its perceptual aspects of urban spaces within the proposed research domain and examines the quality of human behaviour. Eventually, focuses on intervention strategies of regeneration of open spaces in the core by striking a balance between the acts of preservation of the image and a development agenda which augments living conditions that generate a cohesive and integrated humane community. (Human-centric, heritage sensitive). In the course of development of the paper shall discuss how socio-spatial interactions have influenced the formation of traditional Indian cities over the history? It will look into crucial periods of urban development history, changes in social behaviour in the city and situate the study in the context of existing socio-spatial networks. It will specifically examine the role of collective spaces in the traditional old cores, which includes spaces in and around, city level artefacts, everyday open spaces - their relationship with habitants and activities in them. This will be done with examples from Indian Cities with a commentary on how such spaces have evolved with time at varied urban scales (urban area, urban block, unit level) illustrating how these enclosures and edges conditions are considered to be the major influencing factors, with which the socio-spatial aspects potentially interact. (Palaiologou & Vaughan, 2012). Cases from India will be presented to show: evolved spatial patterns, typologies and forces that shape open spaces and built form, transforming public-private interfaces and changing neighbourhood profiles leading to deserted communities in the present-day context in core cities. Finally leading to, a quest to present the city as a living organism, will examine design and planning frameworks and guidelines to evolve 'humane urban space.'