Public spaces are vital to a city's culture, reflecting its unique character and spirit. They serve not only the residents but also provide visitors with a glimpse into local life. In urban areas, public spaces play a crucial role in bringing together diverse groups of people who use them. These spaces encourage interactions among various communities, fostering opportunities for community building and social engagement.
Moreover, public spaces help define and shape societal norms and values. They act as venues where social boundaries can be challenged and redefined, illustrating the dynamics of human relationships. Thus, public spaces are more than just physical locations; they actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about community and identity.
In this studio, students will study, analyse, and redesign a key public space in Ahmedabad. They will focus on quality criteria for public spaces as defined by Jan Gehl (2013), adapting these principles to the local context of Ahmedabad and its residents. Students will critically assess an existing public space, considering how it functions within the community, to develop a design proposal to enhance its quality and accessibility. This project will help students understand the importance of thoughtful public space design in fostering community interaction and identity.
