Placemaking in informal public spaces: a study of functionality and livability in the low-income settlement at sedawaththa, kelaniya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has created low-income settlements in developing countries in all parts of the globe. The informal public spaces arean important and essential component of these settlements. They are strongly connected to the life patterns and needs of the occupants. The organically evolved informal spaces are functional, active and lively. It is seen that designed public landscaped spaces of newly constructed high-rise apartment complexes for the low-income lack a vibrant environment. Under such circumstances the users abandon such spaces. Functional landscaped spaces affect the quality of the life of the people as well as the strength of the urban fabric. Many scholars have contributed to the development ofplacemakingtheory, which explains how built environment is converted toplaces, which works exceptionally well with the users. This research investigates the issue of placemaking in reference to functionality and livability of the informal public spaces in low- income settlement. Placemaking helps people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of the community. Emphasizing theconnectionbetween people and the spaces, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which the public realm can be shaped in order to maximize shared values. Accordingto the theoretical analysis of placemaking, places should possess qualitiessuch as mixed use (sociability), Accessand linkages, flexible and hybridity, self-satisfaction, comfort and safety. The outcome of the research explains how the informal public spaces of the low – income settlement havebecome livable and functional due to the strong connection to placemaking