Using visibility for enhancing spatial interaction within an organically developed neighborhood of Dholaikhal, old Dhaka.

Abstract

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has grown from a small trading town to a metropolitan city by developing an organic pattern spontaneously. Simultaneously rigid planning developed in line with the inhabitant's aspirations with time. A pattern of house form prevailed in the urban houses of Dhaka, which was the product of the social and cultural norms of the people. In congested neighbourhoods of Old Dhaka, people have developed the interaction points and sense of place spontaneously. In case of the neighbourhoods known as ‘mohallas’, the streets and the pocket space between the buildings act as social spaces of the resident. With the help of Visibility graph using Depth map, and questionnaire survey, this paper tries to illustrate the relationship between socio-cultural aspects of public/private realms using the notion of the social sphere as an investigative tool of the concept of social space in ‘Dholaikhal’ , a local community (Mahalla), of old Dhaka. The focus is on how the visual integrity of shared community outdoor space in the congested neighbourhoods of Old Dhaka encourage the residents’ interaction and activity. Focusing on urban green spaces, this paper also provides empirical evidence for use patterns that make spatial interaction between different social groups possible. The outcome of this research is expected to contribute by understanding the visibility relations of the shared community spaces and raising awareness among the architects, policymakers and builders regarding the need of socially integrated shared spaces to ensure community interaction and enhancing spatial interaction.