Creating public spaces for all: learning from public spaces in Colombo

Abstract

In the wake of heavy investment on public space in and around Colombo it is the responsibility of designers to ensure that public funds are utilized for the creation of context-appropriate public spaces which satisfy the expectations of all its users. A study was carried out to understand the difference in use and enjoyment of public space by the different socio- economic groups that constitute society today to help decipher the values they associate with it. The cases chosen for the study were Galle Face, Independence Square (IPS) and Diyatha Uyana. The analysis of qualities provided at each place in conjunction with the composition of its users and their opinions, helped identify the attributes of public space that appealed to different socio-economic groups. The study proceeded to identify commonalities and differences in preference amongst these urban social groups, to understand if public space may be neutral; so it suits all, irrespective of our differences.