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 examined.