A search for an indigenous approach to designing urban public spaces

Abstract

Space constantly encompasses our being. Through its volume we move, orientate ourselves to objects in space. We feel the air, hear sounds and see objects in space, Yet space is inherently formless. However as space begins to be captured, enclosed, molded, organized and experienced, architecture comes into being. Architecture is the art of space making. Making of space to contain the activities of man and man experiences these spaces. Experiences and evokes emotions such such as sadness, joy, pride, anger and many more within himself. such experiences are meaningful to man, helps him to connect himself with the space. Such meaningful connections gained through experience helps man to dwell on earth. Architecture, therefore provides meaningful experiences through which it establishes an existential foot hold to man. Provides an existential foothold to man through meaningful connections which arouse a sense of belongingness in people towards such spaces. This dissertation is founded on the basic that such spatial quality that evokes the sense of belongingness is an important criteria in producing architecture in especially urban public spaces, As man's environment around him is heading towards being entirely urban. These urban environments are to be the home for a numerous number of people, the urban dwellers. The urban dwellers spends a good quantity and quality of time of his day outdoors, working, traveling, eating, and relaxing. A good amount of time is spent in urban public spaces such as streets, parks, playgrounds and markets. Urban public spaces are dynamic spaces where the communal life unfolds. Spaces which are accessible to all. Spaces that help man to identify himself with in the urban environment. Thereby full filling a basic need for belonging and this providing an existential foot hold space i the ever changing urban environment. Therefore creatio9n of urban public spaces with the spacial quality that evokes the sense of belongingness becomes utmost important. In this context the study, explores the concept of developing an approach to design urban public spaces, with an environmental quality of belongigness. Which eventually led to the search for an indigenous approach to designing urban public spaces.An indigenous approach is an approach that creates a sense of belonginess naturally to the users of urban public spaces. Belongingness naturally in all senses, specially, contextually, culturally, socially and politically. Initially the concept of developing such an approach is explored and then by analyzing contemporary urban public spaces creation of such spatial quality is examin