scholarly journals Gender and Public Space: Mapping Palimpsests of Art, Design, and Agency in Shahbag, Dhaka

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 143-157
Author(s):  
Salma Begum ◽  
Jinat Hossain ◽  
Jeroen Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Civil Rights ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
City Life ◽  
Public Square ◽  
Socially Engaged Art ◽  
Spatial Design

Public space is an essential social infrastructure for the continuous negotiation of city life and democracy because it offers (ideally) an interactive platform for people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and the forms of public life they cherish. This contribution inquires how public space’s design and materiality play a fundamental role in popular struggles for social justice. By focusing on the differentiated access of women to public space, the role of gender in its design, and appropriation through a feminist intersectionality lens, this article aims to understand better the complex interplay between urban space and its non‐human material agency vis‐à‐vis citizen mobilizations, movements, and socially engaged art interventions. Drawing from extensive participant observation and spatial analysis, the exemplary public space of Shahbag Chattwar (a public square/plaza) will shed light on the “gendered spatiality” of pivotal popular mobilizations and reclamations from the historical momentum of the 1952 language movement, over the 2013 contemporary Shahbag protests, and to the 2020 anti‐metro rail protests at the Dhaka University campus. Analyzing urban space as a “palimpsest,” this research reflects on both historic and ongoing scenarios of popular protests as they repeatedly occupy public space and leave spatial traces through spatial design and art. In sum, the article seeks to gain insight into public space as a principal site of contestation and negotiation of juxtaposed layers of gendered dynamics, civil rights, secularism, and fundamentalism.

scholarly journals The instrumental time of memory: local politics and urban aesthetics in a tourism context

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio-Miguel Nogués-Pedregal
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Local Politics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Expressive Dimension ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Urban Aesthetics

Purpose This paper aims to show that tourism is one of the most perfect creations of the capitalist mode of production insofar as not only does it consume places and territories and perpetuate dependency relations, but in the expressive dimension, it also produces feelings and meanings and generates a new relationship of the past with the present and future (chronotope). Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out using a socio-anthropological approach with participant observation over several decades. Findings The modes of time are described and how the tourism chronotope shapes the historic centre of a consolidated tourist destination. The case study, analysed with the model of the “conversion of place through the mediation of tourism space”, illustrates the prevalence of instrumental and commercial values over one’s own aesthetic-expressive values in tourism contexts. This fact encourages the emergence of local political projects and the incorporation of uniformities outside the local place. These processes end up uprooting the anchors from collective memory. The definition of territories according to visitors’ imaginaries and expectations encourages the abusive occupation of public space and the adoption of new aesthetic attributes of urban space. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach and methodologies, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test both the model and the propositions further. Originality/value This study approaches the relationship of the idea Tourism with the idea Development based on the anchors of memory.

scholarly journals Exploring the spatial tools to generate social inclusive and empowered space for people living in margins

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Porwal ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
The Social ◽  
The City

A good public space must be accommodative for everyone including the marginal, the forgotten, the silent, and an undesirable people. With the process of development, the city leaves behind the marginalized section of the society especially urban poor, who constitute about 20-30 percent of the urban population and are majorly involved in informal settlement like congested housing typologies and informal economy in which they face the everyday social, physical and economic exclusion. Thus, the informal sector and the marginalized becomes the forgotten elements in urban space. ‘Cities for the Citizen’ a slogan described by Douglas address the same issues of democratization, multicultural/gender difference between humans. Though these people have strong characteristics and share a unique pattern and enhances the movement in the city which makes a city a dynamic entity. The lack of opportunities and participation to such section leaves the city divided and generates the negative impacts in the mind of victims which further leads to degradation of their mental health and city life because of their involvement in crime, unemployment, illiteracy and unwanted areas. The physical, social, cultural and economic aspects of space should accommodate the essential requirements for the forgotten and provide them with inclusive public environment. It is very necessary that they generate the association and attachment to the place of their habitation. We can easily summarize that the city which used to be very dynamic and energetic is now facing the extreme silence in the present pandemic times. The same people are returning back to their homes after facing the similar problems of marginalization and exclusion even during hard times where they had no place to cover their heads. So, we have to find the way in which they can be put into consideration and make them more inclusive and self-sustaining. With the economic stability, social stability is also equally necessary for the overall development of an individual. So, the paper tries to focus upon the idea of self-sustaining livelihood and social urbanism which talks about development of cities aiming to the social benefit and upliftment of their citizen. The social urbanism strategy in any project tries to inject investment into targeted areas in a way that cultivates civic pride, participation, and greater social impact. Thus, making the cities inclusive and interactive for all the development. The paper will tries to see such spaces as a potential investment in term of city’s finances and spaces to generate a spatial & development toolkit for making them inclusive by improving the interface of social infrastructure.

scholarly journals Public Streets for Multicultural Use: Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Background, Built Environment, and Social Behaviour

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maryam Lesan
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Mapping Procedure ◽  
The Public ◽  
Spatial Design ◽  
Design Characteristics

<p>Public space is the domain of interest for urban planners and designers and the most important type of public space is streets. Public spaces, and particularly busy streets in urban centres, provide opportunities for people to meet, often by chance. As cities become increasingly multi-cultural in population the use and nature of public space reflects this. The best public spaces cater to the needs of all who use them and in multicultural societies this also means they must meet the expectations of people from different cultures.  Many scholars have challenged the tendency for streets to be conceived of as movement channels, often at the expense of their use as social space. Streets have traditionally catered to a broad array of activities including walking, cycling and standing. Streets that facilitate such activities are preferred by the public. Streets in multicultural societies are also where people from different ethnic backgrounds find opportunities to interact.  When public spaces are successful, they will increase opportunities to participate in communal activities. Spatial design is a critical success factor for streets; a goal for urban designers must be to create spaces where people from different social and cultural backgrounds value the public spaces they have access to. As cities become more multicultural the challenge is to design and manage spaces that appeal to the breadth of cultures that are represented in the population. Such public spaces are described in the literature as being more public. However, there is presently little information to help planners and designers to realise streets that appeal to people having different socio-cultural backgrounds. The research aims to identify those characteristics that will promote and maintain cultural diversity in the context of neighbourhood commercial streets in New Zealand’s multi-cultural society.  The research is undertaken in two stages. “Stage One” makes use of ethnographic fieldwork as a basic method, complimented by structured field observations using a behavioural mapping procedure, and surveys of users of the streets. This stage provides data on specific streets and their usage through three case studies. Stage Two” utilises online surveys that generated data in relation to street visualizations. This stage seeks to understand what design characteristics and furniture arrangements are associated with stationary, social and gathering activities of people and to define design characteristics of footpath spaces preferred by each cultural group and all groups collectively.  The main conclusion from this research is that retail activities remain the main concern of people in multi-cultural streets. Management and higher level planning of retail activities on the streets could encourage and motivate possible tenants in order to enrich the retail assortment of the street and provide a means for social and cultural diversity. In addition to business activities, spatial design characteristics are found to have an influence on people’s behaviour and activity. The findings of this research suggest that retail and business activities, together with the design and skilful management of the public areas, could support a broader range of static and social activities among people of various cultural backgrounds. The thesis makes recommendations for urban planners and designers based on the findings of the research.</p>

scholarly journals Importance of Informal Spaces in Urban Neighbourhood: A Study in Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2901-2908
Author(s):  
Ar. Bagmita Acharjya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Cultural Aspect ◽  
Design Factors

Abstract: Informal spaces in different development zones in Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad were studied to answer the question of what comprises the necessary factors for the successful use of public space. Cities exist with exceedingly fragmented zones with multiple sections of spaces. There are various categories like open or closed, with one of them being informal type which greatly impacts their social surroundings. Comprehending this will entail reviewing the importance of informal spaces in the urban fabric and how the community is impacted by them. Various design factors will also be taken into consideration on their impact on the proper functioning of an informal space. Using the qualitative analysis in six informal spaces, this article will identify patterns in informal spaces in the three cities through direct observation, participant observation and interviews. The imageability will suggest benefiting the socio-cultural aspect of a community through informal spaces and the design approach adopted to achieve this. Keywords: Informal space; open space; social impact; user approach in urban space; informal green space.

scholarly journals Cinemas in the City: Berlin‘s Public Space in the 1910s and 1920s

Film Studies ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-86
Author(s):  
Brigitte Flickinger
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Early Years ◽  
City Life ◽  
The City

In the early years of the cinema and into the 1910s and 1920s, it was less the film than cinema-going itself that attracted urban publics. In this era, people were enthusiastic about technology and the achievements of modernity; while at the same time they felt anxious about the rapid and radical changes in their social and economic life. In Germany, this contradictory experience was especially harsh and perceptible in the urban metropolis of Berlin. The article demonstrates how within city life, Berlin cinemas – offering the excitement of innovation as well as optimal distraction and entertainment – provided an urban space where, by cinema-going, appeal and uncertainty could be positively reconciled.

scholarly journals Public Streets for Multicultural Use: Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Background, Built Environment, and Social Behaviour

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maryam Lesan
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Mapping Procedure ◽  
The Public ◽  
Spatial Design ◽  
Design Characteristics

<p>Public space is the domain of interest for urban planners and designers and the most important type of public space is streets. Public spaces, and particularly busy streets in urban centres, provide opportunities for people to meet, often by chance. As cities become increasingly multi-cultural in population the use and nature of public space reflects this. The best public spaces cater to the needs of all who use them and in multicultural societies this also means they must meet the expectations of people from different cultures.  Many scholars have challenged the tendency for streets to be conceived of as movement channels, often at the expense of their use as social space. Streets have traditionally catered to a broad array of activities including walking, cycling and standing. Streets that facilitate such activities are preferred by the public. Streets in multicultural societies are also where people from different ethnic backgrounds find opportunities to interact.  When public spaces are successful, they will increase opportunities to participate in communal activities. Spatial design is a critical success factor for streets; a goal for urban designers must be to create spaces where people from different social and cultural backgrounds value the public spaces they have access to. As cities become more multicultural the challenge is to design and manage spaces that appeal to the breadth of cultures that are represented in the population. Such public spaces are described in the literature as being more public. However, there is presently little information to help planners and designers to realise streets that appeal to people having different socio-cultural backgrounds. The research aims to identify those characteristics that will promote and maintain cultural diversity in the context of neighbourhood commercial streets in New Zealand’s multi-cultural society.  The research is undertaken in two stages. “Stage One” makes use of ethnographic fieldwork as a basic method, complimented by structured field observations using a behavioural mapping procedure, and surveys of users of the streets. This stage provides data on specific streets and their usage through three case studies. Stage Two” utilises online surveys that generated data in relation to street visualizations. This stage seeks to understand what design characteristics and furniture arrangements are associated with stationary, social and gathering activities of people and to define design characteristics of footpath spaces preferred by each cultural group and all groups collectively.  The main conclusion from this research is that retail activities remain the main concern of people in multi-cultural streets. Management and higher level planning of retail activities on the streets could encourage and motivate possible tenants in order to enrich the retail assortment of the street and provide a means for social and cultural diversity. In addition to business activities, spatial design characteristics are found to have an influence on people’s behaviour and activity. The findings of this research suggest that retail and business activities, together with the design and skilful management of the public areas, could support a broader range of static and social activities among people of various cultural backgrounds. The thesis makes recommendations for urban planners and designers based on the findings of the research.</p>

scholarly journals Promoting Community Participation in Peri - Urban Infrastructures

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jonida Meniku
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Urban Infrastructure ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
City Life ◽  
Huge Impact

AIM: The aim of this research is to examine the importance of community participation in education and social infrastructure in Peri - Urban of Tirana city.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research states that “involvement of community” is a direct response to giving the community a voice in shaping their future environment to promote urban regeneration in combination with the respecting of the principle of sustainability.RESULTS: This rich picture of community participation and urban planning brings an improver's eye to the real issue on the ground, focused mainly on the guidelines set by the European Union. The goal of the project participation which generates public space, beyond the values that carry on improving the quality of life for the citizens – can illustrate how urban regeneration projects may have a huge impact on the entire city life. The result is to create an area which improves profits and a good lifestyle; re-conceptualization of investment as an investment in urban infrastructure, an investment that can have a large impact even with a relatively low cost.CONCLUSIONS: This article emphasises the need for a real metamorphose to all barriers between builders and users which must be abolished so that building and usage become two different parts, of the same planning process.

Sacred Space Becomes Public Space

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deonnie Moodie
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Sacred Space ◽  
First Century ◽  
Tourist Attraction ◽  
Public Interest Litigation ◽  
Middle Classes ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Temple

At the turn of the twenty-first century, middle-class men and women formed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and filed public interest litigation suits (PILs) in order to expand temple space, knock down buildings that block views of Kālīghāṭ’s façade, and remove undesirable materials and populations from its environs. Employing the language of cleanliness and order, they worked (and continue to work) to make Kālīghāṭ a “must-see” tourist attraction. Scholarship has shown that India’s new middle classes—those produced through India’s economic liberalization policies in the 1990s—desire highly visible forms demonstrating their modernity as well as their uniqueness on the international stage of urban space. The example of Kālīghāṭ indicates how India’s new middle classes build on the work of the old middle classes to deploy the temple as emblematic of both their modernity and their Indian-ness. In so doing, they read the idioms of public space onto sacred space.

scholarly journals “The street is ours”. A comparative analysis of street trading, Covid-19 and new street geographies in Harare, Zimbabwe and Kisumu, Kenya

Food Security ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Kiaka ◽  
Shiela Chikulo ◽  
Sacha Slootheer ◽  
Paul Hebinck
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Street Vendors ◽  
Urban Food Security ◽  
Street Trading ◽  
Food Economy ◽  
City State ◽  
Abstract Spaces ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

AbstractThis collaborative and comparative paper deals with the impact of Covid-19 on the use and governance of public space and street trade in particular in two major African cities. The importance of street trading for urban food security and urban-based livelihoods is beyond dispute. Trading on the streets does, however, not occur in neutral or abstract spaces, but rather in lived-in and contested spaces, governed by what is referred to as ‘street geographies’, evoking outbreaks of violence and repression. Vendors are subjected to the politics of municipalities and the state to modernize the socio-spatial ordering of the city and the urban food economy through restructuring, regulating, and restricting street vending. Street vendors are harassed, streets are swept clean, and hygiene standards imposed. We argue here that the everyday struggle for the street has intensified since and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mobility and the use of urban space either being restricted by the city-state or being defended and opened up by street traders, is common to the situation in Harare and Kisumu. Covid-19, we pose, redefines, and creates ‘new’ street geographies. These geographies pivot on agency and creativity employed by street trade actors while navigating the lockdown measures imposed by state actors. Traders navigate the space or room for manoeuvre they create for themselves, but this space unfolds only temporarily, opens for a few only and closes for most of the street traders who become more uncertain and vulnerable than ever before, irrespective of whether they are licensed, paying rents for vending stalls to the city, or ‘illegally’ vending on the street.

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