Abstract:
It is a seeming paradox that the balance between society and built environment has a constant
change as we evolve repeatedly, and our collective identity mean to facilitate new public spaces
to boost our public life, as well re-shaping existing spaces. The public spaces we design directly
or indirectly influence to our behavior, experiences and social interactions which in turn reflect
how we respond to our built environment. Even though urban designing and planning paly wider
role of this evolving procedure, sometimes some proposed design does not respond to the vital
role of public spaces and unknowingly break the relationship between man and his environment
by incorporating some ambiguous attributes.
This research aims to study the relationship between collective memory and public squares and
the influence ofpublic collective memory to shape and re-shape, to revitalize and utilize today’s
public squares. The qualitative and quantitate data to answer the research questions
gathered by conducting user survey, visual documentation and interviewing with community
focus group.
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The study is conducted through a close examination ofthe Republic Square ofMale’ city, which
was once prevailed with a strong sense of community, though today it is seen as an isolated piece
of public realm. By combining the theoretical background with qualitative research and
quantitative methods, the paper aims to provide a better understanding on the underlying issues
and possible solutions. Findings indicate that the success of the public squares is based on the
experiences and rationalities of the urban past as evidenced by the historical continuity which
characterizes the relationship between collective memory ofits people and the public spaces.
