URBAN VOID AS A PUBLIC SPACE

A STUDY ON UNDER-UTILIZED URBAN VOIDS AND

T H E I R P O T E N T I A L AS U R B A N P U B L I C S P A C E S

A dissertation presented to the

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA
SRI LANKA
for M . Sc. (Architecture) Examination

Renuka de Silva
Faculty of Architecture
University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
July, 1998

69288
CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ILLUSTRATIONS

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE : U N D E R UTILISATION OF URBAN

SPACES

1.1 Urban space

1.2 Urban space in third world cities

1.3 Urbanisation and under utilisation of urban spaces

1.3.1 The under utilisation of urban space
1.3.2 Evoh/ement of under utilized spaces in the city.
1.3.3 U s e and misuse of urban space
1.3.4 Usage o f land

1.4 Impact on policies for underutilization

1.5 Under-utilized space which creates negative effects

in urban space

1.6 Identifying the potential in under utilized urban spaces.

CHAPTER TWO : PHILOSOPHIES AND THEORIES ON

URBAN PUBLIC SPACE

2.1 Philosophies and theories on urban space

2.2 Urban public space

2.2.1 The values of urban public life
2.2.2 Human dimensions of public life

2.3 Urban Void' as urban public space

7
2.3.1 'Urban Void as positive urban space
2.3.2 'Urban Void" as vesi pocket park
CHAPTER THREE : SPATIAL ATTRIBUTES AND SOCIAL

CHARACTERISTICS OF URBAN SPACE

Part One - Spatial Attributes o f Human Space

3.1 Proximity as centre

3.1.1 Sense of place in urban context
3.1.2 Composition of space as centre

3.2 The enclosure

3.2.1 Elements of enclosure
3.2.2 Sense of scale in urban context

3.3 Principle o f continuity in form of rhythmic movement

Part Two - Social characteristics of urban space

CHAPTER FOUR : POTENTIAL O F U R B A N VOIDS

IN C O L O M B O
- SELECTED EXAMPLES

4.1 Introduction

. 4.2 Basis for review

4.2.1 Historical evaluation o f the city centre
4.2.2 Land use

4.3 Basis of selection of reviews

4.3.1 Review one
Lost space due to increased dependence on the
automobile and change o f mode of transportation
4.3.2 Review two
Lost space due to change in land use
4.3.3 Review three
Attributes of the society and the professional
bodies

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Ul

AC KNOW LEDG E M E N T

T o those p e o p l e w h o h a v e h e l p e d m e in t h e dissertation to w h o m I o w e a special

d e b t o f gratitude.

D r . L. S. R. Perera, m y tutor for his g u i d a n c e , incisive c o m m e n t s a n d v a l u a b l e

criticism, w h o helped m c m u c h b y giving p a c e to d e v e l o p m y t h o u g h t s a n d an

a p p r o a c h to this study. I a m extremely grateful for his help a n d appreciate the

t i m e and efforts e x t e n d e d to m e in carrying out the study.

Archt. V i d u r a Sri N a m m u n i , senior lecturer to w h o m I a m grateful for his

e n c o u r a g e m e n t offered at the onset of the study.

Special t h a n k s to Archt. Piyal Silva for p r o v i d i n g m e with n u m e r o u s information.

M y sincere t h a n k s to Archt. Z a n h a r for his t r e m e n d o u s dedication a n d g u i d a n c e .

Special t h a n k s to IP a n d the staff o f the P e t t a h police station for the p e r m i s s i o n

given m e for taking p h o t o g r a p h s a r o u n d P e t t a h , F o r t a n d M a r a d a n a area.

I a m grateful to m y friends M u t h u a n d Chitrani for valuable c o m m e n t s and

e n c o u r a g e m e n t a n d K a s h i a n d Yasangi for their t r e m e n d o u s help.

I am also grateful,. to H e m a n t h a Akka a n d Dilani Akka for their valuable

comments.

T o Indika, for s p e n d i n g his p r e c i o u s time for taking p h o t o g r a p h s .

M y heartfelt gratitude to P r a d c e p a Akkc, P r a s a n n a Aiya, L o k u A m m a a n d their

family for helping me w h e n I badly n e e d e d t h e m .

T o my parents, L o k u Aiya a n d P u n c h i Aiya for their w h o l e h e a r t e d support.

Finally, to Keerthi for giving me e n c o u r a g e m e n t and s p e n d i n g his precious time

t h r o u g h o u t the study.
 ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure Description Page

01 Squatters struggle to shelter 08

02 Lost spaces 10
+ 03 M o r e space for parking 13
04 Reservation in water bodies encroached 13
by the squatters
05 Isolated buildings in the city 14
06 Colombo Foil, during holidays 15
07 Sub-marginal lands are encroached 17
by the squatters
08 The urban streetscape bluntly ignored 19
09 Nolli map of Rome 24
10 Nolli map of m o d e m city 25
11 Composition, mega and group form 26
12 Three major approaches to urban design 26
13 Nolli plan of R o m e 28
14 M o d e m city - nolli plan 28
15 Piazza San Marco 30
„ 16 Sketch 31
17 Sketch 31
18 Nolli plans 32
19 Sketch 32
20 Sketch 33
21 Sketch - transformation 34
22 Sketch - transformation 34
23 Sketch - off centre 35
24 European public space - dynamic square 38
25 Street as a public space 38
26 City park as a retreat 39
27 Public space 40
^ 28 A marketplace 41
29 Paley park - N e w York 44
30 Entrance to the park 44
31 Paley park 45
32 Paley park 45
33 Inner harbour. Baltimore 46
34 Prevent acting as barriers to water front 46
35 George E. Dc Silva park - Randy 47
36 Town centre 50
37 An intimate place of interest 52
38 Enclosure of a room 53
39 Enclosure ol urban space 53
40 Enclosure in urban space 54
41 Skeich 54
 V

Figure Description Page

42 Height of building greater than width 55

43 Sketch 55
44 Sketch 55
45 Sketch 56
46 Volume of corridors of city 56
47 Arcade space 57
48 Open public space 57
49 Positive gesture to the street edge 58
50 Street Bazaar 58
51 Threshold enable relationship of spaces 60
to merge
52 Sketch 60
53 Sense of scale 61
54 Serial "vision in townscape 62
55 The actual path 63
56 Path 64
57 Annual Esala Perahera 68
58 M a p of Colombo city 74
59 Land use m a p 77
60 Street as a public space 79
61 Highways 79
62 Sketch - intimate human scale 81
63 Sketch - inhuman not comfortable scale 81
64 Sketch - uncomfortable scale 81
65 Maradana junction 82
66 Under-utilized urban void 82
67 Parking 83
68 Plan - urban void 83
69 Sketch - section through existing situation 84
70 Sketch - existing elevation 85
71 Edge of Colombo Commercial Company 85
72 Pedestrian flow 86
73 Connection to union place 87
74 Beira lake 87
75 Gangaramaya 88
76 Chalmers Granaries site 89
77 Chalmers Granaries site 89
78 Beira lake suirounded with ware houses 90
79 Canals in Amsterdam 91
80 Onde Gracht Utrecht 91
81 Onde Gracht Utrecht - change in use 92
82 Onde Gracht Utrecht - change in land use 92
83 Plan of the area 93
84 Urban void - edge of the Beira lake 93
85 Sketch - section through urban void 94
86 Raiil a n d unbuilt i a i i w 94
 vi

Figure Description Page

87 Sketch - width of street 94

88 Sketch - section through existing elevation 95
89 Pedestrian flow 95
90 Urban edge 96
91 Exhibition and convention centre 96
92 Manning market 98
93 Gunasinghepura 98
94 Entrance to Bodhiraja mawatha 99
95 Informal sector activities 100
96 Sketch- existing situation - Bodhiraja M w . 100
97 Sketch - section through Bodhiiaja M w . 101
98 Unauthorized temporary- structures 101
99 Central bus teiitiinal 101
100 Gasworks junction 102
101 Gasworks junction 102
102 Pedestrian flow 103
103 Pedestrian flow 103
104 Temporary built structure 104
105 Bristol street from Chatham street 104
106 Sketch 105
107 Sketch - section 105
108 Connecting point to Chatham street 105
109 Sketch 106
110 Pedestrian flow 107
111 Path along the stalls 107
112 Sketch - existing built form 108
113 Sketch - changing width of street 108
114 Sketch - elevated arcade 109
115 Greenpatch 110
116 Sketch - section 110
117 Sketch 110
118 Built and unbuilt ratio 111
119 Pedestrian flow 111
120 Permanent land mark 112
121 Informal sector commercial activities 112
INTRODUCTION
 1

INTRODUCTION

OBSERVATION

U r b a n life is f a s t b e c o m i n g d u l l a n d u n i n t e r e s t i n g d u e t o t h e decreasing

facilities and d e g r a d i n g of the environment, devoid of s p a c e s for s o c i o -

cultural cultural activities. The increasing cost of land and the need to

exploit economically, h a s r e n t e d t h e u s a b l e s p a c e is o n l y a s "rentable

s p a c e " . W h a t is h o w e v e r n o t e d is t h a t t h e r e a r e n u m e r a b l e ' U r b a n V o i d s '

in b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s a n d at s t r e e t c o r n e r s a n d so f o r t h w h i c h a r e left o v e r

s p a c e s . At p r e s e n t t h e y a r e s i m p l y u s i n g f o r g a r b a g e d u m p i n g a n d a n t i ­

social activities. The potential of such ' U r b a n V o i d s ' to enrich the public

r e a l m . p u b l i c life e t c . h a v e n o t b e e n e x p l o i t e d s u f f i c i e n t l y .

' U r b a n V o i d s ' can be d e f i n e d as f o l l o w s ,

"unutilized, under-utilized or abandoned land or areas and

premises which exist in urban areas due to outdated or defunct
uses'
(Perera, 1994 : p. 130)

Urban Voids can even be created by identifying dilapidated premises

w h i c h has potential to re develop for new u r b a n function. This type of

' U r b a n V o i d ' m a y b e c r e a t e d in u r b a n s p a c e a s lost s p a c e s . T h e s e 'Urban

V o i d s ' e x i s t i n g in u r b a n a r e a s a r e p r o j e c t e d as p o s s i b l e o p p o r t u n i t y to

c r e a t e u r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e s in t h i s s t u d y .

These Urban Voids can be exploited as u r b a n public space such as

surrounded public gathering place with pockets of activity. partly-

e n c l o s e d a r e a s at t h e e d g e s , w h i c h j u t f o r w a r d , i n t o o p e n s p a c e s b e t w e e n

p a t h , e d g e o f w a t e r f r o n t , o r c a n a l b a n k s , c o n t a i n a c t i v i t i e s w h i c h m a k e it

natural f o r p e o p l e t o p a u s e a n d get i n v o l v e d .It is a r g u e d t h a t , these

s p a c e s h a v e t h e ability to e n h a n c e a n d strengthen the public realm.

IMPACT:

It is s e e n t h a t , t h e s e " U r b a n V o i d s ' , left over spaces or u n d e r utilized

spaces have affected the public realm negatively by reducing the

q u a l i t a t i v e a t t r i b u t e s o f t h e u r b a n s p a c e a n d m a k i n g it a l e s s l i v e l y s p a c e .

T h i s in t u r n h a s r e s u l t e d in e n v i r o n m e n t a l d e g r a d a t i o n a n d p s y c h o l o g i c a l

discomfort of the citizens, thus effecting the entire society and

environment and perhaps even the behavioural patterns.

B e c a u s e of the u n p l a n n e d cities, h a p h a z a r d d e v e l o p m e n t has e n c r o a c h e d

t h e p u b l i c s p a c e . In a s e n s e , p o s i t i v e a s p e c t s o f p u b l i c a c t i v i t y in t r o p i c a l

u r b a n s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e p u b l i c a c t i v i t y is v i e w e d as a n a s s e t r a t h e r t h a n as

a b y - p r o d u c t of over urbanization. " U r b a n s p a c e s " are c o u p l e d m o s t of

the time with open spaces, where fauna and flora is grown as an

e n h a n c e m e n t t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a n d as a b r e a t h i n g s p a c e f o r t h e b u i l t u p

area. U r b a n spaces w h e t h e r they are hard landscape or soft landscape

h a v e t h e i r o w n m e r i t s a n d i n d i v i d u a l i t y . B u t , it is t h e i n a p p r o p r i a t e l a n d

u s e w h i c h l e a d s to u n u s e d o r u n d e r - u t i l i s e d ' U r b a n V o i d s ' .

T h o u g h s u c h v o i d s h a v e t h e p o t e n t i a l if n o t e n h a n c e l e a d s d e s t r u c t i o n o f

t h e q u a l i t y o f city w h i c h m e a n s t h e d i s t r a c t i o n o f t h e s p e c i a l q u a l i t y a n d

r e s u l t s in u n d e r u t i l i s e d o r left o v e r s p a c e s w i t h i n t h e city, a s a p e r m a n e n t

feature.

I N T E N T I O N OF STUDY

The main intention o f this study is to identify the factors that contribute

to u n d e r u t i l i s a t i o n of spaces or 'urban voids 7

in t h e c i t y . It is a t t e m p t e d

to T h e r e f o r e , intention of this study is t o highlight h o w under utilized

spaces can be and have been exploited as public spaces, socially

culturally, aesthetically and economically enriching public life.

It is a l s o intended to convey the value of urban pockets in urban

e n v i r o n m e n t s t o t h o s e w h o a r e e n g a g e d a n d i n t e r e s t e d in t h i s field.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

T h e s c o p e o f t h i s d i s s e r t a t i o n is l i m i t e d t o t h e s t u d y o f ' u r b a n v o i d s * a n d

u r b a n s p a c e s at m i c r o l e v e l in C o l o m b o c i t y . T h e s t u d y is f u r t h e r limited

to t h e C o l o m b o c i t y ' s central business d i s t r i c t a n d its p e r i p h e r y . The

under-utilised land parcels studied here are neither small areas or the

larger extents of lost s p a c e s . E x a m p l e s of urban voids are drawn from

the C B D areas w h e r e they h a v e m o r e potential as u r b a n public space.

METHODOLOGY

T h i s s t u d y i d e n t i f i e s t h e u n d e r - u t i l i s e d s p a c e s as ' U r b a n V o i d s ' b a s e d o n

o b s e r v a t i o n s in r e l a t i o n p r e s e n t d a y u r b a n s i t u a t i o n , a n d t h e f a c t o r s c a u s e

for underutilization of land. Then selecting a appropriate theories on

u r b a n design a n d the observe the activity pattern to r e - d e v e l o p as a n

u r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e . F i n a l l y t h e s t u d y e x p e c t s to p r o p o s e g u i d e l i n e s a s t o

h o w t h e s e u n d e r - u t i l i s e d s p a c e s c a n b e u s e d in a m e a n i n g f u l w a y t o c r e a t e

public space.

T h e first c h a p t e r i d e n t i f i e s t h e u r b a n s p a c e s in a city a s w e l l a s u r b a n

s p a c e s in t h i r d w o r l d c i t i e s , d e f i n i n g u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f u r b a n s p a c e s a n d

c a u s e f o r u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f u r b a n s p a c e s . It also i d e n t i f i e s t h e p o t e n t i a l

of under utilized spaces.

S e c o n d c h a p t e r is t o s t u d y t h e r e l e v a n t t h e o r i e s o f u r b a n d e s i g n in respect

o f o u t d o o r s p a c e s , a n d t o s h o w t h a t t o c r e a t e a l i v i n g city where these

s p e c i f i c t h e o r i e s s h o u l d b e a p p l i e d . A l s o t o s h o w t h e s i m i l a r i t i e s in these

t h e o r i e s a n d if s o m e f a c t o r s w h i c h a r e r e l e v a n t to t h e u r b a n design, are

d i s t u r b e d , it w o u l d b r e a k t h e built e n v i r o n m e n t . Then h i g h l i g h t (he

i m p o r t a n c e o f " u r b a n space'" as " u r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e " a n d its v a l u e s a n d

the i m p o r t a n c e of developing ' U r b a n V o i d s ' a c c o r d i n g to there potential

as p u b l i c s p a c e s , w h i c h can a l s o c o n t r i b u t e e x t e n s i v e l y to city c h a r a c t e r .

Third chapter discusses the i m p o r t a n c e of attributes of a space and h o w

r e l e v a n t it is to u r b a n s p a c e as w e l l as S o c i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f urban

s p a c e , w i t h r e f e r e n c e to u r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e .

Fourth chapter identifies the under-utilised 'urban voids' from the

C o l o m b o C B D a n d its p e r i p h e r y . S e l e c t i o n o f t h e s e e x a m p l e s a r e b a s e d

o n t h e f a c t o r s w h i c h c a u s e u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n , in l o c a l c o n t e x t .

W i t h t h e s e l e c t e d e x a m p l e s an a t t e m p t is m a d e to s h o w t h e p o t e n t i a l o f

s u c h s e l e c t e d e x a m p l e s a n d to d e v e l o p g u i d e l i n e s for t h e u t i l i z a t i o n of

s u c h lost spaces through the application of theories referred to. And

h e n c e to m a k e a contribution t o w a r d s making C o l o m b o m o r e humane,

a n d h a b i t a b l e city with well d e f i n e d and developed urban spaces with

relevance at c o m p a t i b i l i t y to a c t i v i t i e s s p e c i a l l y o f C B D areas and its

periphery.

A city b e i n g t h e u t m o s t g a t h e r i n g p o i n t o f m o s t o f m o d e r n d a y human

a c t i v i t y . It is b e l i e v e d that s u c h s p a c e s a n d t h e r e s u l t a n t cohesiveness

c o u l d c o n t r i b u t e i m m e n s e l y t o w a r d s t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f a s o c i e t y that is

coherent.
References - Introduction

1. P e r e r a , L . S . R . ; Accomodating informal sector enterprises in the

urban built environment, Asian institute of technology,

Hong Kong, 1994.

CHAPTER ONE
UNDER-UTILIZA TION
OF URBAN SPACES
C H A P T E R ONE: UNDER UTILIZATION OF URBAN
SPACE

1.1 Urban Space

U r b a n S p a c e s a r e t h o s e in t h e city w h i c h f o r m a c t i v i t y p l a c e s , w h e r e t h e

city d w e l l e r c a n m o v e f r e e l y and use t h e m for communication, social

i n t e r a c t i o n a n d o t h e r u r b a n a c t i v i t i e s . O n v a r i o u s i n s t a n c e s it b e c o m e t h e

place w h e r e they live.

Definition of the c o n c e p t o f U r b a n Space can be described as,

"all types of space between buildings in town and other localities.

This space is geometrically bounded by a variety of elevations. It
is only the clear legibility its geometrical characteristics and
aesthetic qualities which allow us consciously to perceive
external space as Urban Space"
(Krier, 1979 : p.61)
He further explains that internal space shielded from weather and
7
e n v i r o n m e n t is an e f f e c t i v e s y m b o l o f p r i v a c ) ; e x t e r n a l s p a c e is s e e n as

o p e n , u n o b s t r u c t e d s p a c e for m o v e m e n t in t h e o p e n air w i t h p u b l i c , s e m i -

public and private zone.

B e n z ( 1 9 7 8 : p. 112) defines Urban Space as.

"space which permits public events and activities that keep

happening in the city''
T h e s q u a r e w a s t h e first w a y m a n d i s c o v e r e d o f u s i n g u r b a n s p a c e . It is

p r o d u c e d b y g r o u p i n g o f h o u s e s a r o u n d an o p e n s p a c e . T h i s a r r a n g e m e n t

off ordered a high degree of c o n t r o l of the inner space, as well as

facilitating a ready d e f e n c e against outsides by m i n i m i z i n g the external

s u r f a c e a r e a w h i c h is l i a b l e to a t t a c k .
Examples,

- Medieval squares where houses with less openings

- Traditional Sri Lankan houses around court yard less openings

In a way traditional urban spaces played an important role as their

communication system was designed on the transportation network system

to serve the added function of handing messages.

"Plazas, squares and streets were designed specially for this

purpose. News travel from public space and building along city
street to gates of developing and onwards from room to room "
( B e n z , 1 9 7 8 : 71)

Kokuleraj (1991 : p. 12) explains urban space in hisfinalthesis as,

"urban spaces are those spaces in the city which form actively
nodes, where the city dwellers can more freely and use these
spaces for communication, social interaction and other urban
activities. Urban space could be probably divided in to two. as
urban open spaces and urban semi-open or covered spaces "
Urban space which describe in architectural books in western world is

having vast different when comparing to the third world cities.

1.2 U r b a n Space in Third World Cities

In third world cities, perhaps the most visible future is poverty. This
urban poverty m a y be the worst pollution of all. The poor accept poverty
as their fate and not a consequence of their exploitation.

" uncelebrated characteristics of the third world. It is this:

despite poverty and exploitation, despite centuries of deprivation,
the people as social and human entities are still largely intact.
( C o n e a . 1 9 8 5 : p. 1 5 )

Above factors are the most important for the future development in third

world countries. Also lack of emotional commitment of the professionals

is responsible for the sprawling urban centres in the third world.

 X

Fig. ( 0 1 )
Squtters struggle to shelter

The development of the concept of urban space is n o t a recent

p h e n o m e n o n . The significance o f boulevards, squares, piazzas and plazas

in w e s t e r n c i t i e s , h i s t o r i c a l l y a s w e l l a s t h e i r r o l e i n p r e s e n t c o n t e x t are

o f t e n i l l u s t r a t e s in a r c h i t e c t u r a l b o o k s . B u t i m a g e o f t h e t h i r d w o r l d c i t i e s

a r e f i g u r e d o f f in o u r m i n d s .

"The great sea of people. An amorphous undifferentiated mass of

humanity on cycle and on foot, clogging the road on all
directions, people living on ihe pavements or in whatever crevice
they can find"
(Correa, 1985 : p.24)

T h e majority o f third w o r l d cities have b e e n growing massively; and this

g r o w t h has not been associated with rate o f e c o n o m i c g r o w t h which in

fact is n o t e n o u g h t o p r o v i d e e m p l o y m e n t opportunities f o r the rapidly

increasing p o p u l a t i o n o f these cities. This is clearly r e l l e c t e d in the use o f

urban spaces.

Most o f the third world primate cities, n a m e d Calcutta, Singapore. Lima.

H o n g K o n g etc.. c a m e in t o being as an interlace b e t w e e n the colonial

p o w e r s a n d h i n t e r l a n d . T h e c o l o n i a l s d e v e l o p e d t h e m for t h e i r o w n e n d s

At a s c a l e a n d w i t h an e c o n o m i c a n d p h y s i c a l s t r u c t u r e w h i c h s u i t e d thei T

purpose.
C o r r e a ( 1 9 8 5 : p . 3 3 ) in h i s b o o k . T h e n e w l a n d s c a p e , e x p l a i n s t h e g r e a t

city but terrible place

"we are playing too much attention to the physical and

economical aspects of a city and not enough to its mythical, it
metaphysical, attributes. For a city can beautiful as physical
habitat trees, uncrowded roads, open spaces and yet fail to
provide the particulars ineffable quality of urbanity which call -
City "

1.3 U r b a n i z a t i o n a n d U n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f U r b a n Spaces

T h e u r b a n i z a t i o n t o o k p l a c e in t h e w o r l d a f t e r t h e i n d u s t r i a l revolution

a n d it w a s s p r e a d e d a r o u n d t h e w o r l d in d i f f e r e n t w a y s . In t h e d e v e l o p e d

c o u n t i e s u r b a n i z a t i o n is d i f f e r e n t to t h i r d w o r l d c i t i e s . T h e y a r e f a c i n g to

the l a n d l e s s n e s s , w h e r e the most of the third world cities do not, b u t m o s t

o f t h e t h i r d w o r l d c i t i e s h a v e u s e d t h e s p a c e in i n a p p r o p r i a t e m a n n e r a n d

i n e f f i c i e n t l y . T h e r e f o r e is c r e a t e s u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f s p a c e .

1.3.1 T h e Underutilization of Space

T o d a y u r b a n designers are faced with the challenge of creating urban

s p a c e as c o l l e c t i v e u n i f y i n g f r a m e w o r k for n e w d e v e l o p m e n t s . T o o often

d e s i g n e r ' s c o n t r i b u t i o n b e c o m e s an a f t e r - t h e fact c o s m e t i c t r e a t m e n t o f

s p a c e s t h a t a r e ill s h a p e d a n d ill p l a n n e d f o r p u b l i c u s e in first p l a c e .

The usual process of urban development treats buildings as isolated

o b j e c t s s i t e d in t h e l a n d s c a p e , n o t the p a r t o f urban fabric of streets,

squares and viable open spaces. These designers were taking decisions

a b o u t g r o w t h p a t t e r n s o f t h e city, m a d e f r o m t w o d i m e n s i o n a l l a n d use-

plans, without considering the three dimensional relationship between

buildings and spaces and without a real understandings of human

b e h a v i o u r . M o s t o f t h e u r b a n s p a c e s are s e l d o m e v e n t h o u g h t o f as an

e x t e r i o r s p a c e w i t h p r o p e r t i e s of s c a l e , s h a p e a n d w i t h c o n n e c t i o n to
 10

o t h e r u r b a n s p a c e s . T h e r e f o r e , we can see that most o f the e n v i r o n m e n t a l

settings today is u n s h a p e d a n t i - s p a c e s .

Fig. (02)
Lost spaces

Buildings are isolated objects, between

them are vast and formless

E v e r y m o d e r n city h a s a n a m a z i n g a m o u n t o f v a c a n t , u n u s e d l a n d i n i t s

d o w n t o w n core. They are industrial lands, unutilized railroad lands, river

fronts which can be available for r e - d e v e l o p m e n t w i t h in city b o u n d a r i e s .

In p a s t y e a r s , b e c a u s e o f t h e r a d i c a l l y c h a n g e o f e c o n o m i c , i n d u s t r i a l a n d

e m p l o y m e n t p a t t e r n s h a v e f u r t h e r w o r s e t h e p r o b l e m o f lost s p a c e in t h e

u r b a n c o r e . This is specially true along h i g h w a y s , railroad lines a n d w a t e r

fronts where major gaps disrupt t h e overall continuity o f t h e city

continuity o f t h e city f o r m . B e c a u s e o f t h e d i s r u p t i o n o f t h e c o n t i n u i t y

pedestrian links b e t w e e n important destinations a r e often broken a n d

w a l k i n g is f r e q u e n t l y a d i s j o i n t e d a n d d i s o r i e n t e d e x p e r i e n c e .

It i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t f o r a r c h i t e c t s a n d p l a n n e r s t o i d e n t i f y t h e s e g a p s i n

s p e c i a l c o n t i n u i t y , t h e n t o fill t h e m w i t h a f r a m e w o r k o f building., and

i n t e r c o n n e c t e d o p e n space which upgrading the city's character.

Lost spaces / under-utilised and deteriorating provide exceptional

o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o r e s h a p e a n u r b a n c e n t r e , s o t h a t it a t t r a c t s p e o p l e b a c k

downtown and c o u n t e r a c t s sprawl and sub-urbanization.

 1]
Today most of the cities are growing very fast with the increasing

p o p u l a t i o n . T h i s r a p i d g r o w t h o f u r b a n p o p u l a t i o n is t h e b i g g e s t c r i s i s in

the third world.

"An important difference between first world (developed) and

third world cities is that while industrialization western Europe
to a larger extent absorbed the evicted rural migrants, in third
world cities this does not occur to same extent"
( K o k u l e r a j , 1991 : p . 2 0 )

The rapid growth of population generate brutal and in human living

conditions.

"The annual population growth rate among third world countries

is 2% to 3%, but the towns and cities them selves are increasing
at more that double this speed. "
fCorrea, 1985 : p.9)

B e c a u s e o f this c i t i e s a r e b e i n g b u i l d w i t h o u t h a v i n g p r o p e r planning

c o n s i d e r a t i o n . As a r e s u l t in m o s t u r b a n e n v i r o n m e n t s , w h e t h e r on public

o r p r i v a t e l a n d u r b a n s p a c e f o r m an i m p o r t a n t o f t h e u r b a n f a b r i c and

unfortunately they are h a r d l y b e i n g p a r t o f t h e city l i f e .

As a result of s p o n t a n e o u s urbanization, wastage and destruction of

1
n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s o c c u r . T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e is 'land .

B u t it c a n b e said t h a t t o d a y l a n d is m o r e v a l u a b l e a n d s c a r c e r e s o u r c e ,

a n d it is i m p o s s i b l e t o w a s t e , t h i s r e s o u r c e . T h e i n a p p r o p r i a t e u s e o f l a n d

leads to d e s t r o y the quality of city, which means destruction of the

quality of space from a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l p o i n t o f v i e w , it will b e a iost

s p a c e ' in t h e city. A n d t h e p l a n n i n g p o i n t o f v i e w it c a n b e d e f i n e d as

under-utilised space.

A c c o r d i n g to a r c h i t e c t u r a l p o i n t o f v i e w , lost s p a c e c a n b e d e f i n e d as t h e

left o v e r an s t r u c t u r a l s p a c e s or u n d e s i r a b l e u r b a n a r e a s t h a t a r e m a k i n g

n o p o s i t i v e c o n t r i b u t i o n to s u r r o u n d i n g or for t h e u s e r s . T h e lost s p a c e s

is ill d e f i n e d , w i t h o u t m e a s u r a b l e b o u n d a r i e s a n d fail t o c o n n e c t element

in c o h e r e n t w a v . it n e e d s rcdesisjn'm>.
T a n c i k e ( 1 9 8 6 : P . 3 ) in finding lost s p a c e s , i d e n t i f i e s ,

"lost spaces as unstructured landscape at the base of high rise

towers or unused sunken plaza away from the flow of pedestrian
activities in the city "
He further identifies surface parking lots that ring the u r b a n core of

a l m o s t all t h e m o d e r n c i t i e s , n o m a n ' s l a n d along the edge of freeway,

a b a n d o n e d w a t e r fronts, train yards, vacated military sites and industrial

complexes that w e r e m o v e d out of s u b u r b s for easier access and lower

t a x e s a l s o as l o s t s p a c e s .

According to P e r e r a ' s (1994 : p.44) definition; lost s p a c e s d e f i n e d as

urban voids. Therefore,

"unutilized, under-utilised or abandoned land or areas and

premises which exist in urban areas due to outdated or defunct
uses; defined as 'urban voids '.
H e further explains that urban voids can even to create by identifying

dilapidated premises which has potential to r e d e v e l o p for new urban

function.

T h i s t y p e o f u r b a n v o i d m a y b e c r e a t e d in u r b a n s p a c e a s lost s p a c e .

1.3.2 E v o l v e m e n t o f U n d e r U t i l i z e d S p a c e in t h e c i t y

According to Trancike (1986 : p.) factors that have contributed towards

l o s t s p a c e in o u r c i t i e s .

i) T h e d e p e n d e n c e o n t h e a u t o - m o b i l e s

ii) The attitudes of architect o f t h e modern m o v e m e n t

iii) Urban renewal and zoning policies

iv) Privatization of public spaces

v) C h a n g i n g the land u s e
 13

i) T h e d e p e n d e n c e o f t h e a u t o m o b i l e

This creates high ways, t h o r o u g h f a r e s and parking lots. Mobility and

communication have increasingly dominated our public spaces which has

c a u s e d q u a l i t y lost m u c h o f its c u l t u r a l m e a n i n g a n d h u m a n p u r p o s e . A

large p e r c e n t a g e of u r b a n l a n d is d e v o t e d t o s t o r a g e a n d m o v e m e n t of

t h e a u t o m o b i l e . S t r e e t s n o l o n g e r e s s e n t i a l u r b a n s p a c e for pedestrian's

use, function as t h e fastest automobile link, regardless of its social

m e a n i n g as a m u l t i p u r p o s e s p a c e . N e i g h b o u r h o o d s a n d d i s t r i c t s n o l o n g e r

i n t e r a c t , b u t h a v e b e c o m e i s o l a t e d , h o m o g e n e o u s e n c l a v e s . In t h e e n d , t h e

d e s i r e for t h e m o b i l i t y h a s u n d e r m i n e d t h e d i v e r s i t y a n d r i c h n e s s o f u r b a n

p u b l i c life.
 14

In S r i L a n k a n context most o f the vacant l a n d s i n t h e city u s e d a s

parking lots. Some o f the streets were used by pedestrians, but now-a-

days these are highly c o n g e s t e d with automobiles. So, they are n o m o r e

u s e as p e d e s t r i a n s t r e e t s w i t h m o r e i n f o r m a l a c t i v i t y .

ii) T h e a t t i t u d e o f a r c h i t e c t o f t h e m o d e r n m o v e m e n t

M o d e r n m o v e m e n t was founded o n abstract ideas o f the design o f t h e

s t a n d i n g b u i l d i n g . In t h e d e s i g n p r o c e s s , it i g n o r e d the importance of

space between building (street space, urban squares and gardens) The

building become more utilitarian in t h e i r o r g a n i z a t i o n . The notion o f

function was gradually displaced from the external space t o the internal

space. T h e building b e c o m e in itself m o r e o f object separate from its

context, thus creating no m a n ' s land between buildings.

Fig. (05)

Isolated buildings in the city

iii) U r b a n r e n e w a l a n d z o n i n g p o ] i c j e s

T h e i m p u l s e o f the u r b a n r e n e w a l w a s t o c l e a r the g r o u n d , s a n i t i s e a n d

promote human welfare through the segregation o f land users in t o

d i s c r e t e z o n e s an s u b s t i t u t i o n o f h i g h rise t o w e r s for g r o u n d level d e n s i t y .

Zoning h a d I h e effect of separating functions that h a d often been

integrated. Because zoning, it s e g r e g a t e s living space from working

spaces. I h e results has been cities sub-divided in to h o m o g e n e o u s

 15

districts s e p a r a t e d by traffic activities. A r e a s b e t w e e n districts are usually

lost s p a c e s i n u r b a n f a b r i c . T h e v a l u e s y s t e m i m p o s e d b y u r b a n renewal

r e j e c t e d t h e e l e m e n t s o f old t o w n s that a r e p h y s i c a l l y s t r u c t u r e d a r o u n d a

n e t w o r k o f s t r e e t s a n d p u b l i c s p a c e s . T h e r e s u l t s is e n v i r o n m e n t s t h a t a r e

unliveable.

Z o n i n g h a s e f f e c t i n C o l o m b o city a s w e l l . F o r t a r e a w a s d e s e r t e d d u r i n g

the holidays, because lack o f residential zones in there; t h e r e a r e only

offices and the administrative centres.

Fig. (06)
Colombo Fort, during holidays
(dead city area)

iv) P r i v a t i z a t i o n o f p u b l i c s p a c e s

T h e public r e a l m has b e e n e r o d e d by individual of need. T h e p r i m a r y roll

o f t h e city is for m e e t i n g o f p e o p l e . " F o r m f o l l o w s p r o f i t " i s t h e a e s t h e t i c

p r i n c i p l e o f o u r t i m e s . T h u s , d e s i g n skill i s m e a s u r e d t o d a y by a r c h i t e c t ' s

ability t o build the largest possible e n c l o s u r e for the smallest i n v e s t m e n t

in t h e q u i c k e s t t i m e . T h e f a c t o r s t h a t , n o w d e t e r m i n e t h e d e s i g n o f a

b u i l d i n g a r e m a x i m u m e c o n o m i c e f f i c i e n c y in t e r m s o f r e n t a b l e s p a c e t o

g r o s s s p a c e , wall t o f l o o r r a t i o . F A R a n d m i n i m u m s t o r e y h e i g h t .

T h e r e s u l t is i n v a r i a b l y a s i n g l e a c t i v i t y b u i l d i n g in the f o r m o f a s k i n n e d

box, with n o unprofitable public spaces a n d certainly n o r o o m i<

celebrated the art o f architecture. Arcades, gardens and balconies even

and are d e e m e d i n c o m p a t i b l e with profit principle.

 16

On the other hand, each building completes to create unique and

identifiable image on the sky line. The continuity of street is broken by ill

placed buildings. The city becomes a show place for the private ego at

the exposure of public realm.

v) Changing the land use

The changing land use in most cities has created huge areas of unused

spaces. The re-location of industry, obsolete transportation facilities,

abandoned military properties and vacant commercial and residential

buildings were resulted in creating lost spaces within the downtown core

of m a n y cities.

Trancik's observations of lost space is restricted to western world where

population growth is restricted and standard of living is considerably

high. The climatic condition also rather different from eastern world.

Through the fine factors that dispensed above have a considerable

influence on the degradation of eastern urban spaces. The presence of

poverty and a growing population and the unequal distribution of power

and wealth are main causes for the presence of lost spaces in most eastern

urban situations.

Also the security problem in cities n o w encroaching the urban spaces with

barricades and blocks in the street. This will obstruct the city dweller to

m o v e freely. The security huts, barricades a n d sand bags give negative

effects to city character.

1.3.3 Use and Misuse of Urban Spaces

The physical structure of the city will reveal certain natural uses for the

land e x i s t i n g u s e s , that deserve p a r t i c u l a r l y r e s p e c t in t h e p l a n . There may

be well established industrial areas, commercial centres, residential

 17

developments, parks beaches, water ways, railroads and historical and

natural features, but there a r e some apparent maladjustment in c u r r e n t

l a n d u s e f o r w h i c h c o r r e c t i v e m e a s u r e s a r e o b v i o u s l y n e c e s s a r y . It w i l l

a l s o i n d i c a t e an a p p r o p r i a t e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n i n d u s t r i a l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l

a r e a s a n d will g i v e t h e t e n d e n c y to u s e s p a c e in m o r e s o p h i s t i c a t e d w a y s .

T h e r e will b e r e s e r v a t i o n s o f o p e n s p a c e a n d s u b m a r g i n a l l a n d s u n s u i t e d

for active u r b a n d e v e l o p m e n t , s o m e o f these spaces u s e d a s r e c r e a t i o n a l

spaces. In this process, t h e urban form and t h e structure will b e

established.

Fig. (07)
Sub-marginal lands are
encroached by squatters.

But most of the u r b a n spaces do not provide desired e n v i r o n m e n t quality,

because of the misuse of urban space.

T h e r e a r e m a n y r e a s o n s for m i s u s e o f u r b a n s p a c e s . T h e l e g a l r e g u l a t i o n s

of land use state policies, uncontrolled growth and extension o f existing

zoning, the e c o n o m i c consideration and land value are s o m e of them.

F u r t h e r m o r e c h e c k o f s e n s i t i v i t y , t h e lack o f u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f l o n g r a n g e

aspects o f proposals. O n t h e other hand, urban poverty a n d lack o f

awareness o f public, political interference a n d changing political

s t r u c t u r e , s e c u r i t y c o n s c i o u s n e s s a l s o Lead t o m i s u s e o f u r b a n spaces.

Most o f these factors are closely interconnected to each other.

 18

1.3.4 Usage of Land

1
The lane use is one of the important determinant factor of urban design.

The intensive development of the city, that is the proper use of its land is

still an almost uncharted frontier. In the city land must be allocated for

housing, offices, shops, factories, reservations, parks, government

buildings, utilities, roads, bridges, parking spaces, railroads, airfields etc.

As the quantity grows, the demand for space increases rapidly. The space

problem arises not because of actual shortage of land, but from lack of

planning, waste of space and from the unnecessary despoliation of good

environment.

The most acute problem that the third world countries have to face is that

people migrating from rural to urban areas. These migrants take over

every vacant space, not only the outskirts but even the centre of the town.

1.4 Impact on Policies for Underutilization

The regulations and policies were introduced to prevent the haphazard

development and to enhance the quality of the city. However, today these

regulations and policies also contribute to haphazard development directly

or indirectly.

As mentioned earlier, the space is the valuable resource in the city,

therefore the policies and regulations should be able to cater to create

proper space in the city instead of destroying the quality of the space.

However, it is clear in what proportions these rules and regulations

contribute to destroy the quality of space which is defined as

underutilization in the built environment.

 19

H o w e v e r , the regulations and the policies are not the only c a u s e which

c r e a t e s u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n i n t h e built e n v i r o n m e n t . T h e r e a r e m a n y other

r e a s o n s , that create u n d e r utilization and o n e o f the m a j o r r e a s o n s is that

l a c k o f s e n s i t i v i t y in t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l b o d i e s .

y IKHBllW h WWW

Fig. COX)
The urban streetscape bluntly
ignored

1.5 Under Utilized spaces which create negative effects in urban

spaces

T h e u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n i s a c r u c i a l p r o b l e m i n t h e b u i l t e n v i r o n m e n t , b u t it

is n e g l e c t e d b y p r o f e s s i o n a l s a s well a s t h e u r b a n d w e l l e r s . Therefore,

i n a p p r o p r i a t e u s e o f l a n d s l e a d s t o d e s t r o y t h e q u a l i t y o f t h e city w h i c h

means t h e destruction o f t h e q u a l i t y o f t h e s p a c e . It c r e a t e s negative

e f f e c t s i n t h e city s u c h a s p o o r q u a l i t y i n t h e c i t y ' s c h a r a c t e r a n d t h e

haphazard developments a n d squatter settlements. Also encourage

garbage collection places which adding m o r e maintenance cost f o r t h e

government.

If t h e s e spaces were isolated o r d e a d it c r e a t e s i n s e c u r e f o r t h e city

dweller a n d it c r e a t e s crimes within t h e city, which leads t o social

problems a s w e l l . W h e n t h e city c e n t r e b e c o m e s c o n g e s t e d , it c r e a t e s

p s y c h o l o g i c a l d i s c o m f o r t for t h e city d w e l l e r .
1.6 I d e n t i f y i n g t h e P o t e n t i a l in U n d e r - u t i l i s e d U r b a n S p a c e s

All r e s p o n s i b l e p r o f e s s i o n a l b o d i e s s h o u l d h a v e t o r e c l a i m t h e l o s t s p a c e s

/ u n d e r - u t i l i s e d s p a c e s b y t r a n s f o r m i n g t h e s e s p a c e s in t o opportunities

for development. These spaces offers tremendous opportunities to the

d e s i g n e r s f o r u r b a n r e d e v e l o p m e n t , c r e a t i v e infills a n d t o u n e a r t h h i d d e n

r e s o u r c e s in o u r c i t i e s . L o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s o r a n y r e s p o n s i b l e a u t h o r i t y c a n

allocate funding stimulate private investments through enterprise zones

a n d c o m m u n i t y d e v e l o p m e n t p r o g r a m m e s . B y p l a c i n g s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n to

lost spaces and they can be reclaimed by transforming them in to

o p p o r t u n i t i e s for d e v e l o p m e n t . Infills a n d r e c y c l i n g c a n b e i n c o r p o r a t e d

in to s u c h lost s p a c e s .

T h e r e f o r e o n e o f t h e m a j o r r e q u i r e m e n t to d e s i g n e n v i r o n m e n t s in w h i c h

i n d i v i d u a l b u i l d i n g s a r e i n t e g r a t e d w i t h e x t e r i o r p u b l i c s p a c e s is t h a t t h e

p h y s i c a l f o r m o f t h e city d o e s n o t fall v i c t i m t o s e p a r a t i o n s .

In n e w t h e o r y o f u r b a n d e s i g n b y A l e x a n d e r ( 1 9 7 7 : p . 6 5 ) a n d o t h e r s s a y

that,

"to make a design whole, it is absolutely essential that the space

created by the building have a positive character. This is difficult
to grasp, because in our time urban space has become negative
the left over after building are built. However, in all
cultures which produced great cities and buildings, space was
understood as a positive thing created by the buildings "

T h e y further explain with rules,

"this rule simply as follows : buildings surrounded space, not

space surrounds building. Ii was become a habit of though in
our century that buildings are simple - shaped volumes, floating
in a sea of illformed space "
In u r b a n d e s i g n , t h e e m p h a s i s m u s t b e on t h e g r o u p s a n d s e q u e n c e s of

open spaces (outdoor) as a w h o l e , then individual space as isolated

entities.
 21

M a n y scholars describe many rules and theories to re-develop the urban

spaces. B y studying those theories and historical precedence w e can take

m a n y design decisions. W e should not forgotten the values of public

space when developing 'Urban void' as public space.

References - Chapter O n e

1. A l e x a n d e r , C . ; Pattern Language, Oxford University Press,

N e w York, 1977

2 . B e n z , G. : Elements of Urban Form

3. Correa, Charles ;
The New Landscpe, Tata Press, B o m b a y ,

4 . K r i e r , R. ; Urban Space, Architectural Press, London,

5. K o k u l e r a j , P . ; Use of Urban Spaces in Tropical Third

World Cities, M u l t i - p r i n t , H e l s i n k i , 1 9 9 1

6. P e r e r a , L . S. R . ;
Accormmodating Informal Sector Enterprises
in the Urban Built Environment, A s i a n
Institute of Techinology, H o n g K o n g , 1994

7. T r a n c i k , R. ; Finding Lost Spaces, 1986

CHAPTER TWO
PHILOSOPHIES AND
THEORIES ON URBAN
PUBLIC SPACES
CHAPTER TWO : P H I L O S O P H I E S AND THEORIES ON
URBAN P U B L I C SPACE

2.1 Philosophies and Theories on Urban Space

M o s t c o m m o n reason for underutilization of land, has been the inability

of public institutions or local authority to develop the a p p e a r a n c e and

physical structure of the city in a c o - o r d i n a t e d and planned manner.

Responsible authorities should implement strong policies for spatial

design, and designers must understand the principles which underline

successful urban spaces.

To o v e r c o m e the underutilization of land, designs should be generators of

context and buildings, which defines exterior open spaces rather than

d i s p l a c e it.

In a s u c c e s s f u l city, w e l l d e f i n e d o u t d o o r s p a c e s a r e a s n e c e s s a r y a s w e l l

defined buildings.

T h e historical p r e c e d e n c e in u r b a n design reflect that s t r o n g relationships

b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s a n d e x t e r n a l o p e n s p a c e s , t h e r e is a v a s t difference

b e t w e e n m o d e r n city a n d h i s t o r i c a l c i t y . I m a g i n a t i o n a n d r e a c t i o n to a

s p a c e is l a r g e l y d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e w a y it is e n c l o s e d , visual connections

b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s , its u s e r s a n d a c t i v i t i e s .

M a n y t h e o r i s t s e x p r e s s t h e i r a p p r o a c h e s on u r b a n d e s i g n . K e v i n Lynch

h a s s t u d i e d t h e m e n t a l m a p p i n g p r o c e s s o f i n d i v i d u a l s in t h e city, R a l p h

E r s k i n r e p r e s e n t an a t t e m p t t o r e s p o n d t o v e r n a c u l a r a r c h i t e c t u r e , o r g a n i c

spatial structure, and the natural setting. Gorden Cullen explores the

experience of sequence through space, and Leon Krier shows that an

u r b a n d e s i g n o f i d e a l i s e d p u b l i c s p a c e s . L o r this s t u d y , o n l y C h r i s t o p h e r

A l e x a n d e r and Roger T r a n c i k ' s explanation o f "positive urban spaces* are

e x p l a i n in d e t a i l .
 24

Trancik (1986), identifies three a p p r o a c h e s in c o n t e m p o r a r y urban special

design.

a) F i g u r e g r o u n d t h e o r y

b) Linkage theory

c) Place theory

T h e f i g u r e g r o u n d t h e o r y is b a s e d on relative land c o v e r a g e of buildings

as solid m a s s (Figure) t o open voids (ground). Each urban environment

has a n existing pattern o f solids and voids and h i s theory attempts t o

manipulate these relationships by adding subtracting from o r changing the

physical geometry o f the pattern t o establish a hierarchy o f spaces -

different sizes that are individually enclosed, but o r d e r e d in relation t o

each other. The figure g r o u n d d r a w i n g is a g r a p h i c t o o l f o r i l l u s t r a t i n g

mass - relationships, a two dimensional abstract plan view which shows

the structure and order of urban space.

Fig. (09)
Nolli map of Rome
The building coverage is
denser than the exterior space,
there by giving shape to the
public openings - creating
positive voids or "space as
object".
 25

N o l l i m a p , is o n e o f o v e r a l l coherence, featuring a mesh between the

block pattern and individual buildings. Object buildings are distinguished

b y t h e i r l a r g e r c i v i c s p a c e s in f r o n t , a n d m o s t p r o m i n e n t field o f t i g h t l y

packed streets and squares within the continuous building mass.

T h e l i n k a g e t h e o r y is d e r i v e d f r o m "lines'* c o n n e c t i n g o n e e l e m e n t to

a n o t h e r . T h e s e a r e f o r m e d by s t r e e t s , p e d e s t r i a n w a y s , l i n e a r o p e n s p a c e s

or other linking elements that physically connect parts of the city. This

theory tries to organize a system of connections or a network for

o r d e r i n g o f s p a c e s . M o v e m e n t s y s t e m s , an e f f i c i e n c y o f t h e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e

takes p r e c e d e n c e over patterns of defined outdoor spaces.

 26

Compositional Form •: .. \.M<gafQrmy.>\^ ^ > , v i : . , ^ . - > > . / . ' . Group Form

Fig. (11)
* Composition form - individual buildings are composed on two dimensional
planes
* Mega form - structures are connected to a linear frame work in a
hierarchical open ended system.
* Group form - Linkage is naturally evolved.

The place theory gives physical space additional richness by

incorporating unique forms and details indigenous to its setting by adding

the components of h u m a n needs and culture, historical and natural

contexts. It tries to enhance the connection between n e w design and

existing conditions.

From this theory, the understanding in the cultural and h u m a n

characteristic of physical space.

Fig.(\2)
Three major approaches to urban design.

Plact

i
P e o p l e r e q u i r e a r e l a t i v e l y s t a b l e s y s t e m o f p l a c e in w h i c h to develop

t h e m s e l v e s , t h e i r s o c i a l lives a n d t h e i r c u l t u r e . T h e s e n e e d s g i v e man

made space and emotional content.

The p r o b l e m has been that the designers have become obsessed with any

o n e o f t h e s e t h e o r i e s , w h i l e s e t t i n g a s i d e t h e o t h e r t w o . T h i s a p p r o a c h is

not a d e q u a t e b e c a u s e living cities consist of a layering of e l e m e n t s . F o r

i n s t a n c e , if a n u r b a n s i t u a t i o n is d e s i g n e d u s i n g t h e l i n k a g e t h e o r y a l o n g ,

it falls short because the product becomes non-special and therefore not

experiential.

If t h e p l a c e t h e o r y is a p p l i e d w i t h o u t r e g a r d t o t h e o t h e r t w o t h e o r i e s ,

c o n n e c t i o n s outside the design are and n e w special opportunities within

m a y b e l o s t . C o n v e r s e l y , if t h e figure g r o u n d t h e o r y is e x c l u s i v e l y used

t h e r e s u l t b e c o m e s t o t a l l y s p e c i a l a n d u n r e a l i s t i c in t e r m s o f u s e r n e e d s

and implementation.

T h e patterns we r a n g e d from the largest urban scale to the smallest scale

b u i l d i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n g i v e n b y t h e A l e x a n d e r , C. ( 1 9 7 0 ) in h i s b o o k N e w

Theory of Urban Design.

"Move exactly, we begin to imagine a process of urban growth, or

urban design that would create wholeness in the, almost
spontaneously, from the action of the members of community
provide that every decision at every instance was guided by
centring process.
(Alexander, 1970 : p.45)

T o m a k e u r b a n d e s i g n w h o l e , it is a b s o l u t e l y e s s e n t i a l t h a t t h e space

c r e a t e d by the building have a positive c h a r a c t e r . H e is highlighting

m a n y r u l e w h i c h is i m p o r t a n t w h e n d e s i g n i n g "positive urban spaces".

In p r e s e n t d a y modern urban space h a s b e c o m e n e g a t i v e a n d left over

after buildings are built. H o w e v e r , in all c u l t u r e s w h i c h p r o d u c e great

c i t i e s a n d b u i l d i n g s , s p a c e w a s u n d e r s t o o d as a p o s i t i v e t h i n g c r e a t e d b y

the building.
 28

Every building m u s t create coherent and well shaped public space next t o

it. E a c h t i m e a b u i l d i n g i n c r e m e n t is b u i l t , it is s h a p e d a n d p l a c e d i n a

s u c h a w a y t h a t it c r e a t e s w e l l s h a p e d p e d e s t r i a n s space.

This simply says

"building surrounded space" NOT "space surrounds

building "

If w e c o m p a r e a p l a n o f a t y p i c a l m o d e r n c i t y , w i t h for i n s t a n c e , t h e g r e a t

nolli p l a n o f R o m e a s i n f i g . ( 1 3 ) , W e c a n s e e t h a t it i s t h e s p a c e w h i c h

is m a d e u p o f simply formed shapes, while the buildings are more

i r r e g u l a r , l o o s e r e l a x s h a p e s , w h o s e p r i m a r y f u n c t i o n is t o s u r r o u n d the

shape of their space.

Fig. (13)
Nolli plan of Rome
Simply formed shapes.

F i g . (14)
M o d e m city - Nolli Plan
Buildings are simple shaped
v o l u m e s , f l o a t i n g in a
ill-foimed space.
The building placed in position which forms exterior space which is

b e a u t i f u l l y d i m e n s i o n s a n d s h a p e . T h i s h e l p s to d e f i n e n e w pedestrians

spaces.

A building must tend to create a system of nodes and streets. According

to t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e b u i l d i n g a n d its l o c a t i o n , e a c h b u i l d i n g c r e a t e s

s p a c e o f a d i f f e r e n t s i z e , s o t h a t t h e r e is a c l e a r g r a d i e n t o f s i z e s in t h e

p e d e s t r i a n s p a c e w h i c h is c r e a t e d .

A l e x a n d e r , C . ( 1 9 7 7 ) g i v e s d e s i g n g u i d e l i n e s f o r u r b a n s p a c e w h e r e it

h e l p s to c r e a t e m o r e p o s i t i v e o u t d o o r s p a c e s .

In e v e r y p u b l i c s t r e e t s , it will s w e l l o u t is m o s t a c t i v i t i e s t a k i n g p l a c e .

These widened spaces which can accommodate the public gatherings,

s m a l l c r o w d s , w h i c h m u s t h a v e t h e i r p l a c e in t h e life o f t h e t o w n . It is t h e

s t r e e t s w h i c h f o r m t h e c o n n e c t i n g link a n d t h e u r b a n s p a c e .

"Make a bulge in the middle of public path, and make the ends
narrower, so that the path forms as closure which is a place to
stay, not just a place to pass through. "
(Alexander. 1977 : p.60)

In e v e r y p u b l i c s t r e e t it will s w e l l o u t w h e r e m o s t a c t i v i t y t a k i n g p l a c e .

These widened spaces which can accommodate the public gatherings,

s m a l l c r o w d s w h i c h m u s t h a v e t h e i r p l a c e in t h e life o f t h e t o w n .

In m o d e r n city p l a n n i n g , t h e r e is a t r e n d t o m a k e p u b l i c s q u a r e s t o o l a r g e

and the roads too wide. They look good on drawing, b u t in t h e r e a l life

t h e y e n d u p as d e a d s p a c e s .

"Our observation suggests strongly that open places intended as

public square should be very small.
{Alexander. 1977 : p.119)
 30

A n d f u r t h e r e x p l a i n i n g that t h e y f o u n d it w o r t h b e s t w h e n t h e y h a v e a

d i a m e t e r o f a b o u t 6 0 ft - at t h i s d i a m e t e r p e o p l e o f t e n g o t o t h e m , t h e y

b e c o m e f a v o u r i t e p l a c e a n d p e o p l e feel c o m f o r t a b l e t h e r e . I f t h e d i a m e t e r

g e t s a b o u t 7 0 ft, t h e s q u a r e s b e g i n to s e e m d e s e r t e d a n d u n p l e a s a n t . O n l y

exception, Piazza San Marco, Trafalgar square.

iff!
B'l'i'iii " ' - j - 1
B
• Ml

iiH
IHJKi^rfflffl^ffllB

A p l a c e b e g i n s t o s e e m d e s e r t e d w h e n it h a s m o r e t h a n a b o u t 3 0 0 s q u a r e

feet p e r p e r s o n . And the other observation d e p e n d s on the diameter.

"A person's face is just recognisable at about 70 ft; and typical

urban moist conditions, a loud voice can just barely be heard
across 70 ft. This may mean that people feel half consciously
they tied together in plazas that have diameter of 70 ft or less -
where can make out the face and half hear the talk of the
people around them; and this feeling of being at one with a
loosely knit square is lost in the largest space.'"
(Alexander, 1977 : p.208)

T h e r e f o r e r u l e i s ; m a k e a n d p u b l i c s q u a r e m u s h s m a l l e r t h a t y o u w o u l d at

first i m a g i n e ; u s u a l l y n o m o r e t h a n 4 0 to 6 0 ft a c r o s s , n e v e r m o r e t h a n 7 0

ft a c r o s s . T h i s a p p l i e s o n l y to its w i d t h in t h e s h o r t d i r e c t i o n . In t h e l o n g

d i r e c t i o n , it c e r t a i n l y be l o n g e r .
 31

Fig. (16)

W h e n creating open spaces, it should be a positive space where people

feel comfortable in spaces which are positive and use these spaces; people

feel relatively uncomfortable in spaces which are negative, and such

spaces tend to remain unused.

The open space is negative when it is shapeless; the redue left behind in

the manner which buildings which are generally reviewed as positive, are

placed on the land.

Fig. (' <ai Buildings that create Fig (17b) Buildings that create positive
negative le It over spaces outdoor open spaces.
 32

Fig. (18)
Nolli plans
Real e x a m p l e s

F r o m the above figure (a), the plan of an environment where outdoor

spaces are negative, it see the building as figure and the open space as

ground. There is no reversal.

It is possible to have open space as figure and building as ground. It can

be clearly seen in the positive open space where building as figure and the

outdoor space as ground, and also the outdoor space as figure against the

ground of the building.

The plan have figure ground reversal.

Another way of defining difference between above two spaces is by their

degree of enclosure. The degree of enclosure also contribute to the

positive or negativeness of the space. Positive spaces are partly enclosed

at least to the extent that their areas seen bounded and the "virtual" are

which seems to exist is convex.

F i g . (19.)
T h i s s p a c e c a n b e f e l t , ll
is d i s t i n c t ;i p l a c e
a n d it is c o n v e x
N e g a t i v e s p a c e s a r e s o p o o r l y d e f i n e d t h a t y o u c a n n o t r e a l l y tell w h e r e

t h e i r b o u n d a r i e s a r e , a n d t o t h e e x t e n d t h a t y o u c a n tell t h e s h a p e s are

non-convex.

F i g . (20)
This s p a c e is v a g u e , a m o r p h o u s n o t h i n g .

Some scholars have been arguing about negative and positive spaces.

Camillio Sitte has analysed a large n u m b e r of E u r o p e a n squares. He

e x p l a i n s t h e s u c c e s s o f t h e lively s q u a r e s ; w h e r e s o m e of t h e m were

partly enclosed: and s o m e of t h e m w e r e o p e n e d to o n e a n o t h e r so that

e a c h o n e l e a d s in to t h e n e x t .

S o m e w e r e a r g u i n g t h a t p e o p l e feel m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e in a p l a c e w h i c h at

l e a s t p a r t l y e n c l o s e d is h a r d t o e x p l a i n . B u t it is n o t a l w a y s t r u e . For

e x a m p l e p e o p l e feel v e r y c o m f o r t a b l e e v e n in o p e n b e a c h , w h e r e t h e r e is

n o e n c l o s u r e at all.

b u t smaller open spaces, enclosure does for some reason, seem to create

a feeling of being watched or observed and insecure.

W h e n o p e n s p a c e is n e g a t i v e , e . g . - L s h a p e , it is a l w a y s p o s s i b l e t o p l a c e

s m a l l b u i l d i n g s or b u i l d i n g p r o j e c t i o n s o r w a l l s in s u c h a w a y to b r e a k t h e

s p a c e in to p o s i t i v e s p a c e .
 34

W h e n existing open space is too enclosed, it m a y be possible to break a

hole through the building to open the space up.

"Make all the out door spaces which surround and lie between
your buildings positive. Give each one some degree of
enclosure surround each space with wings of buildings, trees,
hedges, fences, arcades and trellised work, until it becomes an
entity with a positive quality and does entity with a positive
quality and does not spill out indefinitely around comers.. "
(Alexander, 1977 : p.522)

F r o m the above observation we can consider that even open spaces could

b e m a d e in to a lively u r b a n e n v i r o n m e n t .
 35

In a p u b l i c s p a c e i f t h e r e is a r e a s o n a b l e area in the m i d d l e , it will b e

w a s t e d u n l e s s there are trees, m o n u m e n t s e t c . , p l a c e s w h e r e p e o p l e f e e l

c o m f o r t a b l e , as e a s y as i f t h e y can lean o n the e d g e . O b j e c t in the m i d d l e

o f the s p a c e m a k e it s o m e t h i n g w h i c h g i v e s a strong and s t e a d y p u l s e to

the s q u a r e , d r a w i n g p e o p l e t o w a r d s the c e n t r e .

Fig. (23)

Off centre

Remarks :

W h e n c o n s i d e r i n g the a b o v e t h e o r i e s , w e c a n c o m e to a c o n c l u s i o n that

all the t h e o r i e s and p h i l o s o p h i e s c o n c e n t r a t e in relation to p u b l i c s p a c e .

( i ) T w o d i m e n s i o n a l pattern o f the city

- c o m p o s i t i o n o f the building in g r o u n d

- a r t i c u l a t i o n o f the building

- t r e a t m e n t o f the g r o u n d

(ii) T h r e e d i m e n s i o n a l s p a c e , w h i c h c o n s i s t s with,

- enclosure of open space

- p o s i t i v e out d o o r s p a c e

- e d g e o f urban s p a c e

spatial characteristics
 36
(ii) T h r e e d i m e n s i o n a l s p a c e , w h i c h c o n s i s t s w i t h ,

- enclosure of open space

- positive out door space

- edge of urban space

- spatial characteristics

(iii) O b j e c t s in o p e n s p a c e

- objects which highlight the centre of the space

- making focal points

( i v ) S o c i a l r e s p o n s e s in u r b a n s p a c e s a n d h o w p e o p l e r e a c t t o t h e

space and the activity.

O n c o m p a r i n g f a c t o r s a r e n o t e d t o b e c o m m o n to a l l . T h e s e f a c t o r s are

u n i v e r s a l t o all u r b a n d e s i g n s . All t h e s e t h e o r i e s g i v e m o r e i m p o r t a n c e t o

the out door positive spaces. Which means urban spaces and its

c o n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e city a n d s o c i a l r e s p o n s e s in u r b a n s p a c e .

Above m e n t i o n p a r a m e t e r s are using to analyse the under-utilised 'urban

v o i d s ' a n d t h e i r p o t e n t i a l t o d e v e l o p as m e a n i n g f u l u r b a n s p a c e . In t h e

final c h a p t e r t h e s e p a r a m e t e r s will b e u s e d t o a n a l y s e t h e s e l e c t e d u r b a n

context.

T o m a k e a l i v i n g city, d e s i g n e r s m u s t g i v e p r o m i n e n c y t o u r b a n public

s p a c e s . T h e q u a l i t y o f a city d e r i v e s f r o m t h e m e m o r a b i l i t y o f its u r b a n

public s p a c e s . City being the ultimate gathering place for people, its

countless and varied urban spaces are the celebration of human

e x p r e s s i o n in r e l a t i o n to c o m m u n i t y a c t i v i t i e s . T h e r e f o r e , it is i m p o r t a n t
 37
to u n d e r s t a n d that Urban Spaces are enhanced and developed along

established theories.

2.2 U r b a n Public Space

Urban p u b l i c s p a c e is a c o m m o n ground where people carry out the

f u n c t i o n a l a n d r i t u a l a c t i v i t i e s that b i n d s t h e c o m m u n i t y . W h e t h e r in t h e

n o r m a l r o u t i n e s o f d a i l y life o r in p e r i o d i c f e s t i v i t i e s .

As p u b l i c life e v o l v e s w i t h t h e c u l t u r e , n e w t y p e s o f s p a c e s may be

needed and old o n e s d i s c a r d e d or revived. Urban public spaces are

d y n a m i c spaces and an essential c o u n t e r p a r t to the m o r e settled places

a n d r o u t i n e s o f w o r k a n d h o m e life, p r o v i d i n g c h a n n e l s f o r movement,

the nodes of communication, and the common ground for play and

relaxation. Therefore,

" Public space is the stage upon which the drama of communal
life unfolds. The streets, squares and parks of a city gives form to
the and flow human exchange. "
(Stephen Carr, 1992 : p.3)

In all c o m m u n a l life there is a d y n a m i c balance between public and

private activities. Within this balance, different cultures place differing

emphasises on public space. C o m p a r e the Latin cultures of Southern

E u r o p e , w i t h t h e i r d i s p l a y o f w e a l t h a n d civic a n d r e l i g i o u s p o w e r s in

p l a c e s , t o w n h a l l s , a n d c h u r c h e s t h e f a c e d to m a i n s t r e e t s a n d squares.

Within Muslim cultures of North Africa, with their limited n u m b e r of

public s p a c e s apart from m a r k e t s and s h o p p i n g streets and yet rich design

and expression in the more private domains of home, mosqueand

 38

Fig. (24) European public space

Dynamic square

culture, street as public space

T h e r e f o r e p u b l i c - p r i v a t e b a l a n c e is u n i q u e t o e a c h c u l t u r e . It will shift

under the influence o f cultural exchanges, technology, changing politics

and e c o n o m i c systems and the ethos of the time.

N o r m a l l y in a well p a t r o n i z e d a p u b l i c s p a c e p e o p l e g r a v i t a t e naturally

t o w a r d s t h e e d g e o f it. T h e y d o n o t l i n g e r o u t i n t h e o p e n . I f t h e e d g e

does not provide t o linger, the space b e c o m e s a place t o pass t h r o u g h , not

a place to pause.
 39

T h e r e f o r e it is v e r y c l e a r t h a t p u b l i c s p a c e s s h o u l d b e s u r r o u n d e d with

a c t i v i t i e s . T h i s m a k e s t h e e d g e o f t h e P u b l i c s p a c e live a n d h e n c e people

arc a t t a c h e d t o s t a y o n . T h e r e f o r e , pockets o f activity must b e in edge o f

these spaces.

Alexander ( 1 9 7 7 : p . 2 6 5 ) pointed out as:

"The life of public square forms naturally around its edge .If the
edge fails then space never becomes lively. "

In m o s t u r b a n a r e a s t h e s e u r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e s w e r e a t t h e e d g e o f it.

2 . 2 . 1 T h e V a l u e s o f U r b a n P u b l i c life.

When considering a public space there a r e three primary values that

guided the development of our perspective. Therefore, public space

s h o u l d be r e s p o n s i v e , d e m o c r a t i c a n d m e a n i n g f u l .

Responsive Spaces are those that serves the needs o f the users. T h e

p r i m a r y n e e d s t h a t p e o p l e s e e k t o satisfy t h e p u b l i c s p a c e a r e t h o s e f o r

comfort, relaxation, active a n d passive engagement a n d discovery.

D i s c o v e r y p r o v i d e s r e l i e f f r o m t h e s t r e s s e s o f d a i l y life a n d b o t h active

and passive e n g a g e m e n t with o t h e r s p r o m o t e individual w e l l - b e i n g and

community. Public space c a n also be a setting for-physically and

mentally rewarding activity and visual and physical contact with nature

a n d p l a n t s c a n also r e s u l t i n i m p o r t a n t h e a l t h , a n d r e s t o r a t i v e b e n e f i t s f o r

people.

Fig. (26)
City park as a retreat
 40

Democratic Spaces protects the rights o f the user g r o u p s . They are

a c c e s s i b l e t o all g r o u p s a n d p r o v i d e f o r f r e e d o m o f action but also f o r

temporary claim and ownership. In a p u b l i c s p a c e first there should be

physical access. F o r a s p a c e t o b e p h y s i c a l l y a c c e s s i b l e , it s h o u l d not

o n l y b e w i t h o u t b a r r i e r s t o e n t r y , it s h o u l d a l s o b e a w e l l c o n n e c t e d t o

paths of circulation. The c o n n e c t i o n of parks to adjacent p a v e m e n t s , side

w a l k s is a n i m p o r t a n t a s p e c t o f t h i s a c c e s s . In addition t o this, visual

a c c e s s o r v i s i b i l i t y is i m p o r t a n t i n o r d e r f o r p e o p l e t o feel free t o e n t e r a

space.

F i g . (27)
Public space which implise the freedom
to use a place

S y m b o l i c access is the o t h e r i m p o r t a n t access t o a public space. This

involves the presence o f use, in the form o f people or design element,

s u g g e s t i n g w h o is w h o is n o t w e l c o m e in t h e s p a c e . The tern public open

space implies the freedom to use a place, b u t there are numerous

constraints that prohibit or discourage m e m b e r s o f public form exercising

their rights. T h e r e f o r e it is i m p o r t a n t t o i d e n t i f y t h e s e q u a l i t i e s e s s e n t i a l

to t h e u r b a n s p a c e .

Meaningful Spaces are those that allow people to make strong

c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n the p l a c e , t h e i r p e r s o n a l life a n d t h e l a r g e r w o r l d . A

continuously used public space with its many memories c a n help to

a n c h o r o n e ' s s e n s e o f p e r s o n a l c o n t i n u i t y in r a p i d l y c h a n g i n g w o r l d .
 41

Understanding h o w meanings are created can offer directions for design

for public spaces.

Fig. (28) Making a meaningful

space Campo dei - Fiori -market
place.

Designers should acutely aware of the quick pace of the social changes in

an society, it insists on the necessity of a clear and strong set of values in

changing context. A great public space will evolve arid endure, well

loved by the people in its reach, adding joy and meaning to their lives.

2.2.2 H u m a n Dimensions of Public life.

W h e n designing a public space there are frequent tendency to emphasise

the physical qualities of a site to the exclusion of other entities, A n

emphasis on physical attributes alone give a simplistic connection of

functioning of public spaces.

When studying a urban space it is very important to understand the

interaction of people and places and h o w this affects the function of that

setting. It considers a range of factors including the natural qualities of

the environment, the users and potential users, the cultural and

demographic backgrounds and their economic status. Therefore, it is

essential to understand the role that those play in peoples' lives, and w h y

spaces are used and ignored.

The specific reasons drawing people to public areas reflects m a n y aspects

of life. A shop in a public place m a y enable a person to rest and escape

from confusion, noise and crowd, is a c o m m o n need in complex urban

setting. These spaces acts as retreat for people.

2.3 'Urban Void' A s U r b a n Public Space

In urban areas there are larger extent of lands which were under utilized

as well, but as a region most effective for urban spaces would be the

urban voids. The scope of this study is limited to under-utilised urban

spaces defining as 'urban voids', developing as urban public space.

2.3.1 'Urban Void' as Positive Urban space

With the vanishing of large open spaces in the heart of the city the time is

long overdue for a re-definition of the 'urban void' and the role of the

urban void as urban public space. It's very important urban spaces in the

city,because a great deal of available open land n o w consist of parcels,

m a n y of them are at present either junk piles, garbage heaps or slums,

back yard in most cities. Thousands of these plots are owned by the

authorities or private owned and in slum areas, where the need is crucial

for n e w development Urban spaces could contribute effectively to city

life and they have become necessities, by definition.

There presence must be felt every were through out the area on the way

to work on the way h o m e as well as during the lunch time.

"A city environment should encourage its inhabitants particularly

those from crowded areas, to walk or remain out doors for trees
in a pleasant atmosphere or a small retreat of green will not
only drew people from their houses but provide an essential
contrast to world of cars, sings, sand and gases that permeate our
street. "
(Alexander, 1977 : p. 72)
In a city under utilized urban spaces are troubling not only because of

wasted and missed opportunities they imply, but also their frequent

negative effects. They have the same problems as streets with out eyes,

and their danger spill over into areas surrounding ,so that streets become

k n o w n as danger place too and are avoided. Most of the under utilized

urban spaces and their surroundings suffer from vandalism.

Providing more recreational facilities help to reduce crime, but dozens of

small parks scattered at random, even hundreds of them. However the

horror in the city that does not mean w e should not develop the remaining

open spaces. W e should develop them establish manner.

'Urban Voids' are concerned as;

"unutilized, under-utilised or abandoned land or areas and

premises which exist in urban areas due to outdated use"
(Perera, 1994 : p.34)

These urban voids can be converted to urban public space such as

surrounded public gathering place with pockets of activity, small, partly

enclosed area at the edges ,which jut forward into open spaces between

path edge of waterfront, or canal banks contain activities, which make it

natural for people to pause and get involved. These spaces have the

ability to enhance and strengthen the public realm.

In a open tendency is to take up position from which is protected ,partly

at their backs and the way this fact tends to make the action grow around

an edge.

2.3.2 'Urban Void' as Vest Pocket Park

In cities urban public spaces, though impressive in terms of size, do not

serve their people well. Mere size is not a sufficient measure of

adequacy. Urban public spaces are for people and to perform their

function properly. Urban spaces are not mere amenities; they are n o w a

necessity; therefore these spaces are ideal for the office worker who

works in the heart of the city to spend their lunch hour etc. Also for
 44

c o m m e r c i a l d i s t r i c t s , i n t e r e s t i n g p l a c e s for t h e t i r e d s h o p p e r t o p a u s e for

a m o m e n t to rest.

T h e r e are many spaces o f ' U r b a n voids' which not as public open spaces

that enhancing city's character. Often t o d a y cities a r e c o n s i s t e d with

p a r k i n g l o t s , b u t t h e y a r e n e g l e c t e d , they s h o u l d b e r e s c u e d .

There are many examples of urban voids in d e n s e l y built locations

o c c u p y i n g a r e a s b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s an b o u n d e d b y s i d e w a l k s a n d w a l l s o f

existing buildings. T h e classic urban void n o w c o n v e r t e d to vest pocket

p a r k - P a l e y P a r k in N e w Y o r k o n 5 3 s t r e e t i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e d e n s e c i t y .

* 1

\ r )Y

Fig.(29)
Paley park, New York.

High-rise buildings and narrow streets surrounds paley park in N e w York.

Paving textures are used to define major functional divisions o f the space,

and t h e entrance from t h e n a r r o w city s i d e w a l k is i n t e r r u p t e d by the

c h a n g e in p a v i n g a n d s m a l l e r c l u s t e r s of t r e e s .

Fig. (30)
Entrance to the park from the
narrow side walk
 45

Fig (31)

This wall of water in paley

park draws out street noises
and establishes a delightful
oasis of tranquillity in the
midst of urban frenz..

Unlike m a n y parks t h e intimacy o f Paley Park in N e w Y o r k city

e n c o u r a g e s c o n v e r s a t i o n . T h e s o u n d o f s t r e e t traffic is m a s k e d b y t h e
sound of the fountain.

Fig.(32)
Paley park
'This is the end product of
traffic;this is the place which
traffic brings you.with
out enclosure traffic becomes
nonsense' ("Cullen, 1961:
p. 25)

Festival market places a r e n o t always developed ware houses or old

buildings. Baltimore's inner harbour a r e is o n e e x a m p l e . Down town

B a l t i m o r e is l o c a t e d d i r e c t l y a c r o s s t h e m a j o r t h o r o u g h f a r e .
 46

Fig. ( 3 4 )
Prevent acting as barriers to
water front

• • • • • • • • • • • I
T o p r e v e n t t h e m a c t i n g as b a r r i e r s to t h e w a t e r f r o n t s e v e r a l entrances

were placed a l o n g t h e l e n g t h if e a c h harbour place buildings. They

p e r m i t t e d d i r e c t p a s s a g e to t h e w a t e r e d g e t h r o u g h s p a c e d b e t w e e n the

r e t a i l a r e a s w i t h i n the b u i l d i n g .

In l o c a l c o n t e x t , in K a n d y w h i c h c o n s i s t o f u r b a n p o c k e t in t h e m i d d l e o f

t h e t o w n , w h i c h f u n c t i o n well a n d this is a v e r y g o o d a t t e m p t in m a k i n g a

urban space meaningfully.

 47

Fig. ( 3 5 )
George E.de Silva park,Kandy.

Then public spaces are successful, they are increased to participate in

community activity. When converting an u r b a n void to p u b l i c space,

b e c a u s e of their scale and size, people from different cultural g r o u p s can

come together. As t h e s e e x p e r i e n c e s a r e r e p e a t e d , p u b l i c s p a c e s b e c o m e

vessels to carry positive c o m m e r c i a l m e a n i n g s .

These public space are to p l a y such a valuable role in shaping and

m a i n t a i n i n g p u b l i c c u l t u r e a n d it c a n b e a m i s s i o n a c c o m p l i s h i n g in f u t u r e

d e v e l o p m e n t of the city.

T o d e v e l o p u r b a n v o i d as p u b l i c s p a c e , s p a t i a l a t t r i b u t e s a n d s o called

characteristics are very essential. To understand the space, the basic

s p a t i a l a t t r i b u t e s will b e s t u d i e d in d u e c h a p t e r .
References - Chapter T w o

1. A l e x a n d e r , C . ; New Theory of Urban Design, Oxford

University Press, New York, 1987

2. A l e x a n d e r , C . ; Pattern Language, Oxford University Press,

N e w York, 1977

3 . C a r r , S. ; F r a n c i s , M . ; R i v l i n , G. ; S t o n e , A. ;

Public Space, Cambridge University Press,

1992

4. C u l l e n , G. ; Townscape, The Architectural Press, 1968

5. T r a n c i k , R . ; Finding Lost Spaces, 1 9 8 6

 CHAPTER THREE
SPATIAL ATTRIBUTES AND
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF URBAN SPACE
 49

C H A P T E R T H R E E : S P A T I A L A T T R I B U T E S AND
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
URBAN SPACE

Part one : Spatial Attributes of Urban Space

In t h i r d c h a p t e r w e l o o k e d at t h e r i c h n e s s o f U r b a n life a n d t h e 'Urban

v o i d t h a t d e v e l o p i n g as p u b l i c s p a c e a n d its c o n t r i b u t i o n to t h e urban

fabric.

Urban life is s p e c i f i c to its environment, its changing forms, dense

spaces, the constant p r e s e n c e of people, m o v e m e n t , crowds and traffic

t h a t e n h a n c e t h e fast m o v i n g a n d c h a n g i n g p a c e o f t h e r h y t h m s o f its

everyday experience.

It is v e r y i m p o r t a n t to s t u d y s p a t i a l a t t r i b u t e s a n d s o c i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s in

u r b a n spaces to d e v e l o p urban v o i d as p u b l i c space its quality of s p a c e

and its activity.

T o understand the above aspect, the basics of spatial attributes should be

given due consideration. Greater understanding of h o w urban space is

organised and h o w the city dwellers are live in them can be visualized

from them on.

W e need to develop a way of looking at actual three dimension space on

urban spaces, as a place where people usually experience the city.

Fundamental attributes of space, centre, enclosure and continuity is the

basis as h o w urban space is established.

 50
3.1 P r o x i m i t v as Centre

C e n t r e in r e l a t i o n to c o n c e p t of place is t h e centre of individual or

c o l l e c t i v e e x p e r i e n c e or ( m e m o r y ) o f p e o p l e . In t e r m s o f u r b a n space

this c o u l d a c q u i r e m e a n i n g t h r o u g h e n c l o s u r e , a s t r e e t w a y , a l a n d m a r k .

or a place of open activity can acquire the m e a n i n g o f p l a c e . It g a i n s

c h a r a c t e r a n d f o r m t h r o u g h t h e p a r t i c u l a r n a t u r e o f t h e activity t h a t t a k e

place from own identification with such place and individual experiences.

S h u l t z ( 1 9 7 1 . p . 1 9 ) r e f e r s it in t e r m s o f a c t i v i t y a s :

" all centres are places of action, place where particular

activities are carried out, or places of social interaction the place
is always limited, it has been created by man and set up for his
social purposes. "
T h u s t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of " c e n t r e s ' " as p l a c e s in u r b a n s p a c e s c r e a t e s a

m o m e n t a r y p l a c e s in t h e e x p e r i e n c e o f s p a c e a n d m a k e s an individual's

identity richer and human.

Fig. (36)
T o w n centre acquiring the m e a n i n g o f a place
through activity and centrality.

I n o r d e r t o u n d e r s t a n d s p a c e it is i m p o r t a n t to s i g n i f y the concept of

c e n t r e , as t h e r e f e r e n c e p o i n t o f s p a c e . It is a p o i n t t o w a r d s w h i c h a

m a n ' s i n t e r e s t is d i r e c t e d .

" It is the point where he acquires position as a thinking being in

space the points where he lingers and lives in the space. "
( Shultz, 1971 : p. 19)
 51

P l a c e in the context as a 'centre' of i n d i v i d u a l s ' ' i d e n t i t y ' a n d c o n n e c t i o n

m a t t e r s most in urban s p a c e s . Spatial attributes that g o v e r n s the quality

o f such p l a c e s a r e those t h a t r e l a t e s m o s t to t h e i n d i v i d u a l , t h o s e w h i c h

a c q u i r e t h e f o r m of a n i n t r i c a t e s c a l e , a d e e p e n c l o s u r e , e n c o u n t e r s w i t h

p e o p l e a n d m i x a c t i v i t y will h a v e t h e u n i q u e n e s s of enabling place to

evolve. S u c h a p l a c e c a n be t e r m e d as i n t i m a t e to t h e e x p e r i e n c e .

3 . 1 . 1 Sense of Place in Urban Context.

. P l a c e w h e n it is p o s i t i v e l y e x p e r i e n c e d g e n e r a t e s a s e n s e o f p l a c e , that act

as a c e n t r e o f h u m a n a s s o c i a t i o n s , a n d s i g n i f i c a n c e to t h e u r b a n d w e l l e r s .

P l a c e t h e r e b y b e c o m e s e s s e n t i a l f o r c e o f i h e h u m a n i n t e n t i o n s in t h e city.

They retain fixed locations and possess identifiable characteristics that

determines their physical entity in f o r m of s u r r o u n d i n g buildings that

d e t e r m i n e t h e i r e n c l o s u r e , by s u b s t r u c t u r e s a n d o b j e c t s o r o f m o r e s u b t l e

definitions as a tree canopy, a flight of steps at elevated walkway,

grouping of street furniture. T h e s e c a n a c q u i r e the meaning of a p l a c e .

The nature and form o f a c t i v i t y too can generate a sense of p l a c e .

Wherever there is a sense of re-occurring events, activity and action

taking place, they by their nature can emphasise and contribute to the

quality and sense of place. Thus market, an active pedestrian street, a

pathway, a junction can a c q u i r e a meaning of a place.

The amazing variety of events and activities makes it interesting to

observe. H u m a n contact is offered at every instant, the experience can

adopt the role of a p a r t i c u l a r for an observer. People on the streets are

not just stationery but a l w a y s d o i n g something, going and moving from

one place to another.

Thus the arrangement of activities, h o w it relates to m a n on the street can

support the out door atmosphere of particular place, a street, a pathway.

It will determine whether such places can become a magnetic force in the

experience.
 52

Fig.(37)
Street are not just for moving through; a way
side activity generates an intimate place of
interest.

3.1.2 C o m p o s i t i o n of Space a s C e n t r e .

T h e a r r a n g e m e n t o f c o r e s p a c e a s c e n t r e s in t o w n s a n d c i t i e s , t o o p l a y a n

i m p o r t a n t r o l e in how u r b a n s p a c e is c o m p o s e d in r e l a t i o n t o s p a c e s in

the c i t i e s "centre"" d e t e r m i n e d by for a n d e n c l o s u r e a c q u i r e t h e n a t u r e o f

meeting places for people. T h e y can be determined by concentrated

n o d e s in a city w h e r e p e o p l e c o n g r e g a t e d u e t o v a r i o u s a c t i v i t i e s . They

b e c o m e so c a l l e d " c o r e p l a c e " t h a t a r e f o r m e d b y n a t u r a l m e e t i n g p o i n t o f

several fingers o f connecting places. A high concentration o f commercial

activity, a transportation centre o r a business area can form the central

place o f cities. In Urban Space are created informally a n d positive

activities are taking place. Space within such centres are rich and varied.

3.2 T h e E n c l o s u r e

M a n ' s r e l a t i o n t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t , h i s s e n s e o f p o s i t i o n , is e x p r e s s e d " a s

I a m i n it. o r a b o v e it, o r b e l o w it, I am enclosed o r exposed". These

sensations a r e inter-locked with human behaviour a n d three morbid

expressions are demonstrated in claustrophobia a n d agoraphobia.

E n c l o s u r e , t h e m o s t t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l , t h e m o s t o b v i o u s , o f all d e v i c e s

t o instil t h e s e n s e o f p o s i t i o n , o f i d e n t i t y w i t h t h e s u r r o u n d i n g .
 53

The way in w h i c h the spaces are f o r m e d between buildings is important

both as a setting for the individual buildings and as a more local detail

aspect of urban character, in w h i c h each space take on its o w n identity.

The feeling of enclosure in a r o o m . wall, floor and ceiling form a kind of

b o x w h i c h h a s its o w n identity.

Fig. (38)
Enclosure of a room

In a U r b a n Space the enclosure is t h e s a m e , building act as a wall street

or the paths form the ground while the skyline forms (he most important

part o f the enclosure.

Fig. (39)
e n c l o s u r e o f urban s p a c e .

Therefore the streets are also the spaces in t h e sense that they are

e n c l o s e d b y t h e b u i l d i n g s . T h e s k y l i n e is s t r o n g t o d e f i n e t h e s h a p e o f t h e

s p a c e c h a n g i n g skylines and building line c r e a t e s different qualities of

e n c l o s u r e in t h e s t r e e t .

Of
4
 54

These enclosed spaces between buildings simulate the human senses. The

quality of spaces whether large, small, high, low, wide or n a r r o w has

b e e n o b s e r v e d c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s w h i c h c a n b e r e l a t e d to h u m a n reactions

a n d feelings.

A large urban space tends to create a grandiose feeling, with man

becoming small a n d i n s i g n i f i c a n t : in a w e o f t h e s p a c e .

10)
>ure i n u r b a n s p a c e

A m e m o r y o f s u c h an e x p e r i e n c e is n a r r a t e d in t h e s t r e e t o f N e w York

w h e r e e n c l o s u r e creates a clear definition of space, not only horizontally,

but also vertically, where the great height of buildings, the enclosing

elements dominate an over whelming space.

W h e n t h e h e i g h t o f t h e b u i l d i n g is g r e a t e r t h a n t h e w i d t h o f t h e s t r e e t t h e

s p a c e a c t s a s a c o r r i d o r a n d it s y m b o l i s e s a n r e i n f o r c e d m o v e m e n t , not

j u s t p h y s i c a l b u t v i s u a l as w e l l .
 Fig. (42)
Height o f the building greatre than width

T-1 2 A
The static and then restful effect could be achieved by width being

greater than the height of the building.

1 z

T h e m i n i m u m e n c l o s u r e is f o r m e d t o h a p p e n w h e n t h e p r o p o r t i o n s e q u a l

1:4 T h e e n c l o s i n g e l e m e n t s a r e s e e n at a n 18 degree angle, and objects

b e y o n d the facade are a part of the scene.

 56

eH<ci_os<Jfas 1.4 Fig. (45)

T h e c o n c e p t of l o o k i n g at c i t i e s a n d t o w n s , u r b a n s p a c e t h a t is s t r e e t s ,

s q u a r e s , m e e t i n g p l a c e s a p p e a r to b e c u r v e d , f r o m the original block of

material, w h e r e s p a c e s are m o u l d e d and s h a p e d by d e g r e e and quality of

enclosure. T h i s is a w a y o f l o o k i n g at city s p a c e as a p o s i t i v e eiement

with t h r e e d i m e n s i o n a l p r o p e r t i e s a n d e n c l o s u r e act as b u i l d i n g s with

two dimensional facades framing space. Spaces were accordingly seen

as volumes or corridors" ot city. This emphasises the depth and

dimensional attributes of urban space.

Fig (46)
V o l u m e or corridors o f city

3.2.1 Elements of enclosure

Edge: Treatment and definition of enclosure. The boundary is

d e t e r m i n e d by the building edge that defines the entity of outer space

with the interior.

W h e n p r o p e r l y m a d e e d g e is t h e r e a l m it i n c r e a s e t h e c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n

inside and outside and encourages formation of g r o u p s of activities the

cross the b o u n d a r y a n d e n c o u r a g e s m o v e m e n t that starts from o n e side

and ends up on the other. This allows activity to be on the b o u n d a r y or

w i t h i n t h e e n c l o s u r e itself. T h u s the n a t u r e and the quality of enclosure

 57

e d g e , t h e d e g r e e o f a r t i c u l a t i o n it c r e a t e b e t w e e n t h e t w o r e a l m s e n h a n c e s

its s e n s e o f p l a c e .
IBM

Fig ( 47)
Archade space as it opens out
side to receive the street

W'l Mn

U n l e s s b u i l d i n g s , t h e f a c a d e s that line t h e p u b l i c o r o p e n u r b a n s p a c e s a r e

oriented t o w a r d s the out spaces as carefully as positively allowing man

interaction t o o c c u r the o p e n space can be B a n a l and void o f activity and

life.

Fig (48)
open public space positively
allowing interaction

Most o f the present day urban spaces are not allowing human activity

b e c a u s e building r e m a i n out off from s u r r o u n d i n g as isolated islands o n

open spaces. When we compare them with the older, warmer buildings

that have c o n t i n u o u s niches, openings c r e a t i n g places for people t o stop,

while s h o p a r o u n d o r rest. T h e s e edges are m u c h a l i v e , t h e y h e l p t o

reconnect t o the world around and r e s p o n d to the o u t d o o r enclosed

 58

spaces. These spaces create positive places where people c a n enjoy

t h e m s e l v e s , b e c o m e a part of the social fabric, part of u r b a n space.

F i g (49)
P o s i t i v e gesture to the street
edge

(b) Activity Pocket

T h e life o f p u b l i c s p a c e s are f o r m e d n a t u r a l l y a l o n g t h o s e e d g e s . If the

e d g e , fails p l a c e s a r e n e v e r lively. People gravitate naturally towards

these. S p a c e s , t h e y d o not l i n g e r o u t i n t h e o p e n , i f t h e e d g e d o n o t

p r o v i d e s p a c e s w h e r e it i s for t h e m t o n a t u r a l l y l i n g e r . Such activity can

like m o r e p u b i c p e d e s t r i a n o r i e n t e d a r e a s . S m a l l s h o p s , stalls c a n form

partly e n c l o s e d areas along these edges s u s t a i n i n g a rich mix of u s e r s . I n

e f f e c t t h e y c r e a t e p l a c e s for p e o p l e n a t u r a l l y p a u s e a n d get i n v o l v e d . B y

the distinct n a t u r e o f these activities are d e t e r m i n e the quality o f space

formed. Christopher Alexander illustrates one natural tendency t o such

s p a c e s a s : ( 1977, p.601 )

Fig (50)
Street bazaar generates a place
of activity that lines the street
edge, creating individual places
of interest along the way, walled
city Lahore.
 59

(c) T h r e s h o l d - d e t e r m i n i n g t h e l i m i t s of e n c l o s u r e

Threshold can form relation between exterior and interior spaces by

p r o v i d i n g b o t h s e p a r a t i o n as w e l l as c o n n e c t i o n . E n c l o s u r e can be the

floor, the paving that creates a unifying e l e m e n t of space leading from

o n e to a n o t h e r , t h e c o n t i n u o u s s k y l i n e o r u n i n t e r r u p t e d b u i l d i n g e d g e can

c r e a t e d e m a r c a t i o n to s p a c e . T h e y b e c o m e essential elements of spatial

definitions.

U r b a n s p a c e is b o r n o u t o f t h e s e r e l a t i o n s h i p s , o f b u i l d i n g s w i t h other

b u i l d i n g s , or s p a c e w i t h o t h e r s p a c e s . T h u s e a c h d u r a b l e p l a c e e x p e r i e n c e

is m a r k e d by •• l i m i t s o f e n c l o s u r e " ( t h r e s h o l d ) ". It a p p e a r s to a m a r k e t

s q u a r e a s t r e e t as e n c l a v e o r s o m e t i m e s t o a w h o l e t o w n . We refer to

t h e s e limits in o r d e r to k n o w that we are inside within a place.

In u r b a n s p a c e the q u a l i t y o f e x p e r i e n c e is e n h a n c e d w h e n s u c h l i m i t s d o

n o t e x p l i c i t l y e x i s t w a l l s or b o u n d a r i e s to p l a c e s , b u t m e r g e a n d form

connections. W h e n t h e y exist a s t h r e s h o l d t h e y e n a b l e r e l a t i o n s h i p of

s p a c e s to m e r g e . It b o t h c r e a t e s d i f f e r e n t i a t i o n of spaces as well as

transition, interruption, continuity, boundaries and crossing of enclosures.

They play an important role in the composition of space and their

articulation.

Through establishing limits inform of conceivable thresholds, urban

spaces become defined as a places themselves. Thus elements as

colonnades, arcades and shops, level differences, steps in elevation,

b a l c o n i e s o p e n i n g t o s p a c e s , a r e all r e g u l a t o r s o f in i n v e r s i o n . They

control permeability of space.

 60

Fig. (51)
Threshold enable relationship
of spaces to merge

Fig ( 5 2 )

Visual characteristics o f space orders such transitions. Threshold is a

collection o f such elements that underlines transition from one space t o

another, make " large " areas into pattern o f smaller places. They can

create experiential differences where places start and stop.

U r b a n s p a c e s , h o w e v e r l a r g e in c o n t e n t , t h e y a p p e a r , a r e m a d e u p o f s u c h

places. T h r e s h o l d can be a b r u p t c h a n g e s in the c h a r a c t e r o f s u c h places,

like t w o s t o r e y b u i l d i n g g r o u n d a five s t o r e y c o r n e r o r d i f f e r e n t t e m p o s o f

life a n d a c t i v i t y o f p l a c e c a n c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e s i m i l a r e x p e r i e n c e s .

4.2.2 Sense of Scale in Urban Context

P l a c e s a r e c r e a t e d w h e n t h e y a r e i n t i m a t e a n d r e l a t e t o t h e s c a l e of p e o p l e

a r o u n d , w h e n t h e y e n c o u r a g e a c t i v i t y t o t a k e r o o t i n a p l a c e . A pjace t h a t

provides rich experience are those that recognise the above. The walls
5
 61
without becoming barriers, would weave in and out, the roof canopy

e x t e n d i n g o v e r c r e a t i n g little p l a c e for benches, posters give a reason for

people to be there, the niches that are evolved would create the right

depth inviting, promising shade from the hot sun. Such place in
experience can be made everyday experience at the city more memorable.

S c a l e o f t h e e d g e to d o m i n a t e t h e s e n s e o f e n c l o s u r e , w h e n t h e w i d t h o f

the street does not exceed the height of the s u r r o u n d i n g buildings, the

n a t u r e o f s p a c e in b e t w e e n is m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e a n d s e n s e o f e n c l o s u r e is

greater.

3.3 P r i n c i p l e o f C o n t i n u i t y

3.3.1 I n f o r m o f r h y t h m i c m o v e m e n t

This connection of the inner and outer world, the connection between

e n c l o s e d a n d t h e o p e n is c o n t i n u i t y . C o n t i n u i t y bridges the gap and the

thus creates the c o n n e c t i o n s h a t t e r e d by e n c l o s u r e .

I n t e r m s o f s p a t i a l e x p e r i e n c e , c o n t i n u i t y d e t e r m i n e s a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e in

the composition and ordering space. U r b a n s p a c e a s w a s d e s c r i b e d is

m a d e out of a series of individual spaces s u c h as places are iojnted at

 62

i 8

m
llffn Fig. ( 5 4 )
Serial v i s i o n in t o w n s c a p e

* ^ ^ ^ *

In u r b a n s p a c e c o n t i n u i t y can be achieved t h r o u g h p h y s i c a l s t r u c t u r e o f

the built f o r m . In a s t r e e t , t h e c o n t i n u i t y o f f a c a d e s , s k y l i n e s , set b a c k s ,

repetition of elements, scaled massing, principle of similarity and

harmony, all c o n t r i b u t e s t o the sense o f c o n t i n u i t y and purpose of

movement.

The i m p o r t a n t e l e m e n t s in a c h i e v i n g s p a t i a l c o n t i n u i t y c a n b e g r o u p e d to

paths and centres of movement. The s u c c e s s i v e p a t h s d i r e c t s m o v e m e n t ,

and o r i e n t a t e s t o w a r d s goals or p o i n t s o f f o c u s e s that acts as r e f e r e n c e

points to each path. They function as directional indications which

includes movement.

All a r c h i t e c t u r a l s p a c e s a n d u r b a n s p a c e s a r e p e r c e i v e d in t h i s m a n n e r .

" Movement in space is governed by predetermined programme

sequence. It guides events, spaces, movement into a single
progression and the path, the route this progression takes, is
more important than any individual place along it. "
( Alexander,: 1977 : p. 97 )

In t e r m s o f m o v e m e n t p a t h s b e c o m e m o r e i m p o r t a n t , t h a n a n y p l a c e a l o n g

it. They are the "Channels along which any observer, customarily

occasionally or potentially m o v e s " , streets w a l k w a y s , alley ways can b e

p a r t s in t h e u r b a n context. They are the place from w h i c h a city is

observed.
 63

T h e l a y o u t o f p a t h s will b e s e e n r i g h t a n d c o m f o r t a b l e in t h e p r o c e s s o f

walking. D i r e c t i o n o f a p a t h is d e t e r m i n e d b y i n t e r m e d i a t e g o a l s , with

progression. These goals change and new goals focus o n e ' s attention. C.

Alexander, explain as

"The path may be straight, or gently curved between goals. Their

paving should swell around the goal. The goal should never be
;
more than a feM fee 1 apart. "
( Alexander,: 1977.: p . 588')

Fig.(55)
The actual path

Goals can be a vista, a visible landmark, trees, fountains, gateways etc.

A succession of movement along individual sets or goals will establish a

serial version. Individual places of resting, interesting activities and

events too can establish visual goals along the journey.

Paths even though they are moving through can establish, places

themselves. This is more observable in pedestrian streets, where a whole

pattern of events are brought to life.. These places can be seen like street

* shelters, that invite people to wait others to browse to stroll or to loiter.

They at points can be play spaces for children; meeting points for people.

In more residential environment they will provide opportunities for people

with a shared way of life to confirm their sense of community.

 64

Fig. (5o)
Paths even t h o u g h t h e y are
moving through can establish,
places themselves.

Rhythm generates unity and How to siting of pattern of experiences,

keeping them intact. Thus movement through space becomes a
continuous experience.

A sense of variety could be articulated by the change of rhythm, it could

be made the observer, pause, turn a change pace of movement. It helps
to break the sense of monotony, interruption of openings, columns and
soiids can help to alter one's pace. Also targe open space, resting spaces
along a path way can also establish a pause. They can be manipulated at
various stages along a path, to avoid the flow of monotony. Thus rhythm
and movement are important elements to achieve continuity.

Part T w o : Social Characteristics O f A n U r b a n Space

Socially vibrant places stabilise our expectations of action and in the

process of uncertainty and conflict within the place. It tells us h o w to

behave in such situations, just as culture does.

The stability of behaviour settings is thus an element in enhancing the

social characteristic of a place.

The manner in which physical space becomes social space and thus

symbolic space is receiving in increased attention at present. However,

so far, little has been k n o w n about the direct process involved, and the

subjective and culturally relevant definitions of the social characteristics

of place. Considering the above, and the architectural influence on place,

 65

it could be said that, architecture does not have a direct hand in

manipulating or controlling behaviour of a given place.

Nevertheless it could influence this through the physical media of the

same, which is the vehicle through which the social characteristics of
place could be implemented. In this aspect, we only articulate physical
space, bui implies on social and psychological imperatives of place too.

Generally behaviour could adopt to certain new physical characteristics of

place. At the same time: physically, places are relatively flow to change
and encourage certain new behaviour patterns, and if the two are well
matched would reinforce each other strongly. Nevertheless the
understanding of this kind of social behavioural relationship that different
people have towards different places are good enough as a first attempt
towards the understanding of peoples" relationship to place.

Thus considering all the facts started above, given below are some of the
areas under which social characteristics of place could be understood
more clearly.

Social Characteristics of Place

1. Social elements.

2. Nucleus of activity.

3. Type of activity.

4. Variation in activities, Degree of activities.

5. Routine activity.

6. Non-routine activity.

8. Roles that individuals play at community level.

 66

(1) Social Elements.

As mentioned earlier, people at the fundamental elements of a place

(social place). The variation tn people, in different aspects, within

different settings, it is a predominant factor in bringing about socially

vibrant places. Although, this aspect of sociability of place cannot be

manipulated by a designer, it is the key element in examining the

s o c i a b i l i t y o f p l a c e , t h u s it i s w o r t h recognition.

The following characteristics of people are important to b e considered in

relation to the above.

Language spoken, physical type, behaviour, occupation, dress, age. sex.

i R a p p o r t , 19S2 : p . I 0 7 t

( 2 ) Nucleus of activity

The manner in which activities are concentrated and diversified could

create a variation within a setting. When these differences are distinctly

noticeable, the perception of place become strong, thus giving it social

vibrancy. The nucleus could be park, shopping centre etc.

This also gives the particular place in concern, dynamism, which is

essential mostly in places within urban situations, towns and cities.

(3) Type of Activity, variation in activity

Depending on the type of activity, or different types of activities that

transpire in one place or a or a number of connected places, and the

degree of activeness of the place, determines the vibrancy or liveliness of

the same. A good mix of activities would incur different patterns,

creating a variation and rhythm between places. This is specially

important in large scale between places. This is specially important in

larger scale public places as towns, urban spaces etc. The most places

offer a variety of activities and experiences. Living, working, trading,

 67

shopping and playing all gain from being linked. Mixed uses make for

lively and safe environments.

( 4 ) Degree of Activeuess

The degree of Activeness could be activated by the regulation ol

Activeness. This nay. some areas could be d i s t i n g u i s h e d as being active

throughout the day and night, while others are a c t i v e only during certain

times o f the day. For example, places may be devoted to a single kind of

activity or one activity may suddenly overlap another or functions may

succeed, each other, but overlap.

A s an example:

An open square may be a food market ( Sunday fair ) in the morning, a

cricket ground in the afternoon and a place for adult gossip in the

evening.

Degree of Activeness could also be individually looked in terms of the

'"intensity'' of activity, e.g. recreation, pedestrians, restaurants etc.

(5) Routine Activity.

These are the type of activities of routine daily life k n o w n only to those

w h o participate in them and those w h o frequent to an area. These can

also be a place of a space.

e.g. The pavement hawkers, The way side cobbler etc.

The activity to them has created a place within a certain spatial location.

W e could consider the steady state and rou'ine of daily life to refer to the

behaviour on view in particular location that occurs so regularly.

 68
(6) N o n - R o u t i n e Activity.

Public Ritual:

The ground ritual occasion celebrate by the wider communitv or one of

its s u b c u l t u r e s m a k e p l a c e s o f c e r t a i n s p a c e s o r location.

e.g. : Annual independence celebrations.

Annual Esala perahera

Fig.(57)
Annual Fsala Peraliera

(7) R o l e s t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s play at c o m m u n i t y level

A p a r t i c u l a r p e r s o n s r o l e will in l a r g e p a r t c a u s e h i m b e h a v e / b e a c t i v e in

c e r t a i n m a n n e r in a g i v e n p l a c e .

These have considerable implications for interactions with physical

surroundings.

(8) D e g r e e of s o c i a b i l i t y

Neighbouring:

A description of the social network would indicate the level of

n e i g h b o u r i n g a n d . t h u s signify t h e d e g r e e o f f r i e n d l i n e s s . This indicates a

p r o p e r territorial base of a socially supportive g r o u p , a m o n g w h o m there

would be many personal contacts. People get personally acquainted with

each other by proximity within smaller scale w h e r e size, plus a t i * « * ^

 69

f e a t u r e s s u c h as s o c i a l h o m o g e n a t e s . i d e n t i t y , a n d b o u n d a r y m a y p l a y a

d e f i n i t e r o l e in p r o m o t i n g c o n t r o l , p r e s e n t fit a n d s e n s i b i l i t y .

The facilities and activities provided for socialising also increases the

s o c i a b i l i t y if a p l a c e .

r—
•4$
•4-

70

References - Chapter Three

1. Alexander. C. : Pauern Language. Oxford University Press.

New York. 1 977

-*
2. Cullen. G. : Tou-nscopc. The Architectunil Press. 1968

3. Shultz. N. : Existance space and architecture. Studio Vista.

London. 1971
 CHAPTER FOUR
POTENTIAL OF
URBAN VOIDS IN COLOMBO
- SELECTED EXAMPLES
CHAPTER FOUR

4 . 1 Introduction

This study is limited lo under-utilised lost spaces within the Colombo city
only, but with particular emphasis to certain selected locations within the
central business district and in the immediate surroundings.

An attempt is made to examine the contributory factors to begin with, and

with special emphasis in the application of the theories and rules. Guide
lines for the development of such 'Urban Void" in to positively thought out
urban spaces is also discussed.

4.2 Basis for review

Cities and urban spaces are in constant flux of change. Today quality and
c
meaning of urban spaces as well a values they hold to the public with time
acquires new meaning as well as identity. Scale of the present day cities

and their growth and development pattern are so large and rapid to the

extent of old beauty and richness can be lost unless properly planned and

enhanced.

Quality of life captured within views and vistas have been reduced to a

monotonous stretch of city's scale with little variation and freshness to the

city encounter of individuals.

Urban space is a place to which people go to meet one another, engaging

in facilities and public activities as far as they can be part of the city life.

The life of urban community has been regarded as solid and fixed,

necessitating the need for urban space than ever before. W h e n focusing on

the local context, more significantly w e observe that public spaces are

beyond the expectations of any ideals as they have evolved in to

threatening places, polluted and congested choked with traffic and

 72

buildings. Instead of becoming a ecu tic of public life. They mote often
offer a negative impact on the city.

In the local context is a continuum of both planned and evolved spaces.

They are to a greater extent places that have evolved with time not
specifically designed for the functions that they have acquired today.

As in most of the tropical developing countries, a greater part oi the lite of

the city is lived out doors in the open to sky spaces. Which are sustain by
the suitable climatic conditions that enable people to live out doors
throughout the years. They naturally evolved in to places of meaning in
terms of activity that are adopted in them, forming a significant part of
daily Hie and the experience of the city.

Some such spaces have evoived on their own and guided by the peoples
requirements, while others have been purposely provided: And yet there
are others which can be considered as left over spaces, but with potential
for development as urban spaces, if develop within accepted manner.

These are the type of 'Urban Voids* which are of interest for the purpose

of this study.

Spaces that have evolved naturally are as a response to the need and

function of the society. They are generated in more or less adhoc manner,

without deliberate planning concepts. But, through appropriation and

repeated use or due to an inherent attraction or a particular quality of a

place that with a time m a y generate in to a meaningful place in the city.

The left over spaces or set backs are quite familiar in our context as those

which can be turned in to urban public spaces. In most cities rapid

development and urbanization has destroyed the city's character and has

created inhuman unfavourable built environment.

As discussed in earlier chapter, most of the developing countries struggle

with inappropriate use of space and lead to underutilization of spaces in

the built environment or in essence these spaces are lost spaces in the city.
 73

The causes of underutilization of urban spaces are universal to almost all

cities. However, also there are some local factors which has contributed to

such situations.

When understanding the "Urban Void" and its potentials, in selected an

reviewed by this parameters.

Two dimensional - composition o f the b u i l d i n g

pattern o f the city in ground
- articulation o f the b u i l d i n g
- treatment o f the ground

Three dimensional - enclor<ure o f open space

space - 1;
p o s i t i e out door space
- edge c f urban space
- spatia characteristics

Objects in open which highlight centre o f

space space
making focal points

Social responses - peoples reaction to space

in urban spaces - peoples reaction to activity

Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, on the west coast of the island

established mainly during the late nineteenth century, has over one million

inhabitants w h o are of diverse races and religions.

Continuous expansion of development and the construction of public and

private sector services in the city attracted people from all parts of the

country particularly from western, central and southern provinces.

Nonetheless, most of these migrants could not find adequate housing in the

city due to high cost of buildable lands, building materials and rental

spaces and yet some of them settled in the city itself, while others m o v e to

the immediate sub-urban towns.

 'A

"In the city, major high density residential areas becomes slums
due to overcrowding while larger squatter settlements come in to
existence in low line marshy lands, canal banks, road and railway
reservations and unutilized state lands. Today, more than 50% of
city population consists of low income groups who live in very poor
housing conditions "

(Kokularaj, 1991 : p.34 )

T h e city c e n t r e o f C o l o m b o is m a i n l y o f t w o p a r t s , F o r t a n d P e t t a h . T h i s

a r e a is s u r r o u n d e d b y t h e i s l a n d ' s p r i n c i p l e p o r t in t h e n o r t h , Island's

m a j o r legal c e n t r e in t h e e a s t , B e i r a l a k e in t h e s o u t h a n d t h e s e a in t h e

west. T h e area of previous P o r t u g u e s e and D u t c h fortresses was contained

in F o r t . T h e F o r t a l s o c o n t a i n e d t h e o f f i c e a n d r e s i d e n c e o f t h e g o v e r n o r ,

many major commercial functions.

 75

O f a b o v e m e n t i o n e d a r e a s o r even in the entire city, the busiest a n d the

most neglected area is; Pettah. During the past, there has been a rapid

e x p a n s i o n o f office and commercial activities of the p r i v a t e sector while

the available space within this area is extremely inadequate to

a c c o m m o d a t e them. This demand for modern amenities has brought about

a m a j o r structural change in the existing old fabric of the city centre o!

Colombo.

T h e r e f o r e , it is worth to examine and develop an u n d e r s t a n d i n g of the use

o f t h e s p a c e so that the future development does not further distract but

e n h a n c e t h e quality of life in the urban centre.

4.2.1 Historical evaluation of the city centre

T h e o r i g i n o f t h e city of Colombo owes to the s t r a t e g i c l o c a t i o n o f its port.

T h i s p o r t a t t r a c t e d t h e eyes of many foreign n a t i o n s w h o w e r e i n t e r e s t e d in

t r a d i n g in f a r e a s t c o u n t r i e s . T h e c o n t e m p o r a r y city o f C o l o m b o evolved

around t h e p o r t , originally used by t h e A r a b n a t i o n s and subsequently

under the P o r t u g u e s e , D u t c h a n d B r i t i s h w h o o c c u p i e d s i n c e 1 6 t h century.

The colonial cultures a r e still b e i n g represented character of urban

structure. In early days o n l y D u t c h elite lived in Fort while P e t t a h was the

residential area for the ordinary D u t c h and the remaining Portuguese and

Sinhalese. The Dutch changed the streets to a n e w regular grid pattern and

established plot s t r u c t u r e s in r e l a t i o n t o their n e w hierarchy of social

strata.

The houses in P e t t a h w e r e g e n e r a l l y s i n g l e storied airy, b u i l t with stones

and often contained v e r a n d a s t h a t excluded the glare of the sun. Fort,

Pettah and main land w e r e link u p d u r i n g the British period. Infra-structure

of Pettah was developed by the British during the latter half of the

nineteenth century.
 76

Eventually, new markets, shops, ware houses, schools, offices, religious

and industrial buildings were established. The transition lor residential to
commercial began with the recognition of Colombo as capital city of Sri
Lanka by the British colonial adminif-tration in 1815. Since independence
in 1948. the city grew in a new. direction and dimension. Urbanization
occurred in great scale with iack o1 coherence and integrity.

With the beginning of 20th century. Fellah became the islands major
transport centre by sea. rail and road. Vehicular traffic began to appear
more and more on streets. This uncontrolled process made Fort and Pettah
area predominantly commercial. This trend further continued till shifting
the administrative functions to new administrative capital in Sri
J a y a w a r d e n a p u r a. K o 11 e.

4.2.2 Land use

Pettah is defined by Olcotte Mw. in south. Bodhiraja Mvv. (Gas works

street) in west, Sea beach lane in the north, Reclamation road in the

north/west and Front street in west. Pettah has a grid (unique to Colombo)

system,- which covers nearly 1 0 0 acres of land of about 9 0 % privately

owned. The major functions in Pettah are commercial establishments and

public amenities.

Administrative and commercial functions, concentration of central activity,

the railway station, the bus terminal and the Colombo harbour dominate

the area.
 77

Pesiieati.il
Fia. ! 59 >
Land use m a p of For! and
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Pettah
ESi Ca*rarcial -j

J | Vacar.-./Ur.der cur.Hir-s - 1 o.-i

gig ;-dus---y

P
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4 . 3 B a s i s of S e l e c t i o n o f R e v i e w s

As mentioned before, factors that cause underutilization are evident in

Colombo city centre as well. Underutilization of urban spaces and the

factors that have contributed to underutilization in the city generally

discussed are relevant as universal in the first chapter. However, some of

the contributory factors m a y be slightly different due to local conditions.

They are,

1. Increase dependence on automobiles and change in m o d e of

transportation.

2 . Change in land use

3 . Attitudes of the Society and professional bodies

 78

4.3.1 Review O n e : L o s t s p a c e d u e to i n c r e a s e d d e p e n d e n c e on

t h e a u t o m o b i l e a n d c h a n g e o f m o d e of

transportation

C a u s e a n d i m p a c t in l o c a l c o n t e x t :

The mobility o f the spaces the highways have transformed the image of the

city, as urban space have become more vehicular oriented. The older

values of urban space related to the human scale and movement slowly

disintegrated from the urban fabric o f the modern metropolis. Today, most

of the city fabric is drastically changing due to the dependence on the

automobiles. The significance of the present day public realm of the cities

are now being shaped by free ways, airports etc. That have become

symbolic than real.

" The public realm is no longer defined by the older version of the
church, the legislature, the market or agora but now restaurants,
the bars, the transit centres, free ways and air ports have
introduced .. new meaning to the identity of the urban life. "
Dejan,-Sudjic , 1992 : p.330

In early days, streets were functioned as social spaces and settings for

activities that brought people together. Functional streets encourage

participation of people and stop to talk or m a y be they sit and watch as

passive participants, talking what the street has to offer. As an element

way, streets allow people to be outside. Therefore,

"Streets are places of social and commercial encounters and

exchanges. They are you meet people - which is a basic reason to
have cities in any case. "
(Jacobs, 1987 : p.40)
This valuable social interaclion was changed or diminished when

automobiles intruded the city's urban space. The character of urban streets

as u r b a n s p a c e is l o s t t o t h e character of urban roads. The dependence on

automobiles has resulted in an urban space in which highways,

thoroughfares and parking lots are the p r e d o m i n a n t types of open spaces.

 80

From the perspective of the human involvement, mass transportation and

vehicle create a whole set of uninvolved experience that mediate between
the man and urban environment.

"The new city is not and accretion of streets, squares that can be
comprehended by the pedestrian bin, instead manifests ii s shapes
from air. the cor or the mass transit railways. '
(Dejan S u d j i c 1992 : p.137)
:

When developing a new city from zero, perhaps it may be possible yet to
retain the urban streets within while the mass transit roads are outside as
ring roads. It may even possible t o do so when developing a city with vast
hinter land. But. in a city like Colombo with no hinter land, roads have to
cut across the cities killing the streets and urban spaces in distances while
creating new pockets.

Development of roads to get the automobile across faster invariably leads

such situation as has happened to many streets in Colombo. Particular
attention must be made of streets of Fort and Pettah and niore recently the
Maradana road in the outskirts of Pettah.

The Maradana road from Pettah to Borella was a street with many

opportunities for social interaction. N o w , it is widened for fast moving

vehicles creating separation in the urban and social fabric across the road.

StSJ
Fig (< .2);

B e for-.' w i d e n i n g o f t h e s t r e e t
Intimate h u m a n scale

Fig. (64)
Contemporary cities
Uncomfortable scale
9

82

When considering Maradana road, either side of the street w e r e s e p a r a t e d

by the fast moving vehicles. On the other hand mass widening o f t h e r o a d
has left with parcels of land which could be used otherwise f o r human
interaction: But left unattended. Example, in Maradana junction because o f
the widening of t h e street has left under utilized urban void, this void
giving negative contribution to t h i s n o d e .
 83

Many such urban voids could be seen a longer unusually wide pavements
all along as well as at locations such as Temple road junction, opposite
Elpinstan theatre and near the Pettah bus stand.

Example (a) : 'Urban Void" in Sir James Peiris Mw.

This parking lot located along the Sir James Peiris mawatha adjoining to
the Colombo Commercial Company. Other side of this land is Nawaloka
private hospital and opposite Celltel building and the Beira lake.

This abandoned parking lot is not well planned area and vehicles are
parked in unorganized and haphazard manner. But the land is located in
the most valuable and prominent place where considering the Beira water
front.

Fig. (67)
Parking lot adjoining C o l o m b o
Commercial Company

Fig. (68)
Plan
 84

Section through existing situation

It is the a r r a n g e m e n t of the built f o r m that d e t e r m i n e s t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e

open space. One s i d e of Sir James Peiris mawatha demarcated by the

S o u t h W e s t B e i r a l a k e a n d t h e o t h e r s i d e w i t h its c o n t i n u o u s b u i l t form

with stretch of buildings of Colombo Colombo Co.. and the private

h o s p i t a l . T h e o n l y o p e n s p a c e is this v a c a n t p a r k i n g l o t .

T h e r a t i o o f t h e v e r t i c a l s u r f a c e t o t h e horizontal surface determines t h e

s c a l e o f openness, which is very important to maintain certain pedestrian

qualities of the space. While streets have linear configuration, its scale can

vary from pedestrian to a vehicular street to highway.

"The ratio of vertical to horizontal should be one or more in

comfortable pedestrian streets. "
(Alexander, C, 1977 : p.63)

This street was planned as comfortable pedestrian scale, one side open to

water front and the other side with two storied ware house type building

stretch towards Slave island junctions.

 85

Fig.("0)
Existing elevation

This vacant land is the only open space which can be developed as an
urban space and the scale is more comfortable for pedestrians use.

The boundary is determined by the building edge that defines the entity of
the outer space with interior. In a way edge is the realm between inside and
outside and encourages formation of groups of activities. The edge of the
Colombo Commercial Co.. is not a transparent or visually connected with
the road, and the other side is the Beira water front.
 86

Nawaloka private hospital is close by. so the gathering of people is

immense. When going towards Slave island junction, the degree of
commercial activities are more. Therefore, this area is with mix of
activities.

Then we can see the most attractive places offer a variety of activities and
experiences. In this respect the grand ritual occasion. The Navam
Perahera. celebrated during the month of February is worth mentioned.
This area is of remarkable significance due to the proximity to
Gangaramaya temple, and the Simimalakaya. in the middle of the South
West Beira lake. To make this space more attractive to public there should
be a pedestrian flow along this road. In U D A proposals, they tried to
connect the Union Place and the Sir James Peiris Mw. With pedestrian
links. When there is a pedestrian flow, this urban void can be high lighted
as urban public space with full of activities.

Fig. (72)
Pedestrian flow

This urban void should provide accessibility to all groups of people and

freedom of action. The primary need that people see to satisfy in public

space should be provided, those are comfort, relaxation, active and passive

engagements.

4
 87

Fig. ( 7 3 )
C o n n e c t i o n to U n i o n place

This urban void' can be redeveloped vvith visual and physical contact with
nature, because of the waterfront, the urban public space can be made
more attractive.

When the public spaces are well suited to their surroundings both
physically and socially, they feel comfortable and safe within their people.
These bonds are enhanced by the presence of natural elements and design
features making connections to larger universe.

Fig. (74)
Beira lake m a k e s this urban
pocket more enhanced

Secret and ceremonial places draw people together in the interest of

historical, religious and creating symbolical c o n n e c t i o n s to the u r b a n public

space.
 88

Fig. (75)
Gangaramaya

This parking lot is neglected, because of the lack o f spatial attributes.

People do not stay in any place which is uncomfortable, therefore, it

should be enclosed and be of human scale. Lack of such attributes makes it

less attractive for people who are looking out for urban spaces. And hence

the tendency to be utilized for other purpose though has the potential for

development in an urban space.

In this urban void enclosure can be created with d e f i n i n g the boundary or

t h e edges. Also, by providing the activity t o be o n t h e b o u n d a r y o r within

the enclosure itself. When providing activity a l o n g the edges people

n a t u r a l l y g r a v i t a t e towards this.

C o n t i n u i t y o f this u r b a n void t h r o u g h p h y s i c a l s t r u c t u r e o f t h e built form,

with sky line, set backs, with repetition o f elements, principle o f similarity

and harmony.

In o r d e r t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e s p a c e it is i m p o r t a n t t o signify t h e c o n c e p t o f

centre, as the reference point o f space. Because, in a space individuals

identity a n d c o n n e c t i o n m a t t e r m o s t in u r b a n s p a c e s . T h e r e f o r e , this u r b a n

void c a n be m a d e i n to a centre s u r r o u n d e d area w h e r e it g e n e r a t e s a sense

of place.

This shall m a k e as public space for gathering point for seasonal religious

activity, ritual activity etc. In other w o r d s provide facilities for the p e o p l e

w h o w o r k in s u r r o u n d i n g offices.
 89

4.3.2 Review T w o : Lost space, due to change in land use

In m o s t o f the cities d u e to the rapid development the relocation of

industry, obsolete transportation facilities, vacant c o m m e r c i a l buildings and

w a r e h o u s e s h a v e c r e a t e d vast e x t e n t s o f w a s t e d o r u n d e r - u t i l i s e d spaces

w i t h i n t h e city c e n t r e . T h e s e s i t e s o f a n u m e r o u s p o t e n t i a l f o r r e c l a m a t i o n

as m i x e d u s e d a c t i v i t i e s . T h e o b s o l e t e s h i p p i n g a n d rail y a r d s o c c u p y a

desirable water front sites. B e c a u s e o f the c h a n g e in land use. s o m e o f the

a r e a s i n F o r t a r e I r o z e n for t h e d e v e l o p m e n t in m a n y y e a r s .

As a n e x a m p l e the C h a l m e r s G r a n a r i e s site o p p o s i t e t h e rail w a y s t a t i o n .

S o m e o f t h e s e sites a r e v a c a n t l a n d a n d o t h e r s a r e full o f w a r e houses

which d o n o t positively contribute t o city c h a r a c t e r . These spaces are

neglected and some o f these vacant land e n c r o a c h e d b y the squatters. In

s o m e o c c a s i o n s these sites are e n c l o s e d b y the b o u n d a r y walls and totally

s e p a r a t e d from the urban space. O t h e r e x a m p l e w h e r e the underutilization

taken place b e c a u s e o f c h a n g e in l a n d u s e is W e l l a w a t t a w e a v i n g mill s i t e .

Fig (76)
Chalmers Granaries site
frozen for development

Fig (77)
Chalmers Granaries site
Now, larger extent of land
used as parking space
 90

Local authorities have drastically been changing the land use pattern since
colonial period. During the British era Colombo was used to be a
commercial centre and fortified area as well. For commercial transactions
and for transportation of goods they used the water ways. lakes, canals etc.
on the banks which ware houses were located. Presently, most of goods are
transported by containers to ware houses and storage complexes near city
centre and above water ways are no longer required.

In the present context, these changes are still not considered as an asset by
the authorities. This has relieved our most precious and the only water
body Beira lake from being surrounded with ware houses and the storage
complexes yet the land is not put to a meaningful use.

Fig (78)
Beira Lake, s u r r o u n d e d w i t h
warehouses

In N e t h e r l a n d s , A m s t e r d a m , c a n a l s w e r e u s e d m a i n l y f o r t h e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n

o f i n c o m i n g a n d o u t g o i n g g o o d s t o w h i c h t h e city o w e d m u c h o f its w e a l t h .
 9i

F i e . (791
canals in Amsterdam

But time has changed, today these canals constitute the principle green belt

of the centre and the boat tours of a masses of tourists and opportunities

of appreciating the beauty of its architectural splendour.

Fig. (80)
Onde Gracht Utrecht

In U t r e c h t t h e n a t u r a l d i f f e r e n c e i n l e v e l s b e t w e e n s t r e e t s a n d c a n a l s h a s

yielded an extraordinary and very effective profile. In early days goods

w e r e u s e d t o t r a n s p o r t i n g in b a r g e s o v e r t h e c a n a l s ; s t o r e d i n b e l o w t h e

street level. N o w , these functions as t e r r a c e s f o r c a f e ' s and restaurants

l o c a t e d in f o r m e r w a r e h o u s e s .
 92

Fig. ( 8 2 )
Onde Gracht Utrecht
C h a n g e in land u s e

Colombo has more classic examples along its water fronts. But

unfortunately, most of them are left unattended either to be encroached by

slums and shanties along railway line even after the original use no longer

exists.

Example : U r b a n Void in D R Wijewardena m a w a t h a

Beira lake is the most forgotten water body in Colombo. For m a n y years,

the ecological balance of the Beira lake has been damaged and disturbed

due to the waste and sewage discharge in to its water. Because of the

closure of the lake to public activities, restaurants, recreations, social

 93

g a t h e r i n g s n e a r t h e b a c k d r o p o f t h e l a k e is l o s t t o g e n e r a t i o n s o f p e o p l e .

L i n e a r r e s e r v a t i o n is e n c r o a c h e d b y s q u a t t e r s , r e s u l t i n g in s q u a t t e r d i r t a n d

u n c l e a n e d a r e a s in t h e city.

T h e r e are u n p l a n n e d and t e m p o r a r y c o n s t r u c t e d buildings along the bank

of the lake, they are o b s t r u c t i n g the public view of this i m p o r t a n t water

f r o n t . V a l u a b l e l a n d a l o n g t h e lake is w a s t e d a n d m i s u s e d b y b u i l d i n g w a r e

h o u s e s . T h e s e activities can be relocated and the water front o p e n e d up.

A t y p i c a l e x a m p l e is a l o n g t h e D R W i j e w a r d e n a m a w a t h a . a s h a d y s t r e e t

with trees and canopies which connects Fori and Maradana. The area

b e t w e e n B e i r a lake a n d a b o v e m e n t i o n e d s t r e e t is n a r r o w e r , t h e r e f o r e i d e a l

for visual link and for r e c r e a t i o n a l activities.

Fig. ( 8 3 )
p l a n o f t h e area

Fig. (84)
Urban void
E d g e o f the Beira lake
 94

LAKE

Fig.(8?)
Section through the urban void

At present, there is no visual connection between hike and the street.

Enclosure of this street is such, it can encourage pedestrians as well

Area is dense with built forms, the only open area is the Beira lake. Other

edge of the .street consists with two or three storey buildings and the

railway yard. In this streets, height of the buildings and the width of the

street i s almost equal.

Fig. (86)
Built and unbuilt ratio

Fig. (87)

V/IPTH of* S>TK*=*3T.

 95

Fig. (88)
Section through existing elevation

The selected urban void enclosed by ware houses in either side and it opens to the Beira

lake.

Most o f the present day urban spaces are not allowing h u m a n activities, because

buildings remain cut off from the adjacent open spaces. In existing situation, edge is

defined by the lake, but it is not properly defined. Buildings which located at the edge

of lake are not responding to the streetscape and the character of the built environment.

When coasidering the pedestrian flow in this road intense during the morning and

evening.
 96

Fig..(90)
Urban edge
Which is lost by obstructing the
precious water front

This area predominantly surrounded with banks, shipping agencies and offices but there

is no proper public space lor the people who work there. Employees o f central mail

exchange and the shipping agencies are almost at work day and night and enough

recreational facilities are not being provided to them.

Fig. (91)
Exhibition and convention centre

"HHHHHHHHM

T o use as public space first provide freedom and accessibility to the public space, and

make the place "democratic". To make the place "responsive ",where people can relax,

make comfortable themselves, active and passive engagement of the people. When a

place allow people to make strong connection between the place by providing a place

with the overlapping memories o f individuals and shared memories, this makes the

place meaningful.

When the relevant authorities not providing necessary facilities for these public spaces it

will end up as lost space. For this urban void t o b e c o m e an urban public space it is

essential to provide accessibility to the public along with better facilities. B y providing

enclosure, the place can be mtimate and more comfortable in scale .Enclosure can be
 97

provided with built foirn or natural elements. T h e composition of the space as centre of

that area with "core place", where people can congregate for various activities and

forming a natural meeting point connecting other main public areas. In this context

providing a connection from Fort railway station to this urban public space becomes

relevant. Providing comiection between enclosed urban void and the open area creating

continuity of that place. This urban void can be as a magnet to city dweller by

describing a space made out of a serious of individual spaces with connection to the

main space. Making the 'urban void' more enclosed by threshold, it can form relation

ship between exterior and interior space by providing both separation as well as

comiection.

Introducing a restaurant at the edge of the Beira lake that can be more asable for the

surrounding officers and people who work there.(provided Beira is no longer

polluted)With connection to the Foil railway station it can be a resting place for the

transit passenger.(provided safety is assured)

4.3.3 Review Three : Attitudes of the Society and the Professional Bodies

One of the problems with Planning and Architecture today is that space between

buildings are rarely designed. In Sri Lanken situation people always seek individual

ownership of the land they try to build the building which symbolise their status but

not considering the character of the city. In Colombo percentage of the open area to

built up area is decreasing rapidly. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the professionals

and authorities to consider this problem.

People should consider the importance of the urban public spaces as they are the "lungs

of the city". In Colombo its C B D 9 0 % of the population is floating population ,they are

coming for their work places. It is thefloatingpopulation that needs developed urban

spaces more than any. Colombo even in C B D , individual ownership for land is

increasing, they were sub divided along the passing years. Therefore plot sizes of the

land is increasingly diminishing. This is because of this situation people try to take

maximum value from the land they own. For example in Pettah the every inch of land

is utilized as to gain commercial return. Therefore, attitudes towards open spaces for
 98

recreation spaces are not considered by the land owner. Its responsibility of the

professionals and authorities. Because of the less sensitivity of Architects and

professional bodies they are neglecting the city space.

*
 99

Example : Bod Iii raj a Mawatha

Bodhiraja Mvv. which intersecting at Bo tree junction with Olcotte Mawatha is very
significant node creating a proper entrance way to the Pettah. While located within the
commercial city area it becomes an inevitable place of interchange both for commuters
as well as for activities.

The noise .crowds of people, movement and traffic in and thick of activity the Bo tree
junction and Bodhiraja mawatha evolves in to a lively place in the heart of Pettah. This
street is intensely filled with pedestrians and commuters.

Its significant location with the central bus terminal on one side and the Fort railway
station on opposite enables it to become an important transit point to commuters
travelling to and from Colombo. Bo tree and the viharage act as land mark to its
location, giving it a physical identity of a place.

It is physically demarcated by the enclosure created by the streetscape lining outer edge

of the fifth cross street and the Bodhiraja M w . A n d either side of this street with the

small scale stalls act as enclosing element or as building edge to the space formed by the

B o tree and viharage act as central focus to the space.

 1(H)

Fig (95)
In formal sector activities

<e>o T X E E

Fig (96)
existing situation of the Bodhiraja Mawatha

A linear extension of smaller scale stalls were in haphazard manner built with out any

coasidcration of the street character. From its built scale, the island of small scale stalls

which separating Bodliiraja mawatha in to two to streets.

 101

Fig (97)

This street have more comfortable scale for people who transit from buses to railway..
as well as the pedestrians are coming for commercial activities. The urban edge of the
street created by the small informal activities in pockets and niches.

Fig (98)
Un authorized temporary structures

Fig. (99)
Central bus terminal along the
Bodhiraja M w .
 102

Bodhiraja mawatha is defined by the pedestrian space creating contrasting atmosphere.

It mainly is a transition space generating movement. Area is highly built up with the
temporary structures with out any breathing space as open space. Because of its built
scale its variety of activities forms an intense part of the urban fabric to an intimate
scale evolving a certain degree of social interaction. During the busy hours in early
morning and the evening there are intense movement of pedestrians along this street,
because this street interconnecting main transit point and main commercial centres in
Pettah. Therefore this node and it' surroundings act as transit points to commuters. Yet.
there isn't any pause for the pedestrians in any physical or visual forms perhaps because
of the highly built up informal commercial spaces. In the absence of appropriately
planned space the area around the node acquires the functions of square .

Fig. (100)
Gas work junction Main
commertial node

Fig. (101)
Gas work junction connecting
commertial street seas street
Making the street fully pedestrian, with paved area which dis courage vehicular access

with shady atmosphere. And re-locating the informal sector activities which are in the

middle of the street.

 104

Example Two: Bristol Street

When one talks of the development of Colombo it is leave out its sprawl. The sprawls

well as the changing land use pattern has related in many o f the old buildings

obsolete. Similarly changing activities also has left some stretch of urban void .With in

the Fort area there is a plot of land in Bristol street which is an ideal place for public

space with promenade. The flight of steps leading up to the York street connecting as

pedestrian way.

Fig (104)
Temporary' built structure

Fig. (105)
Bristol streetfromChathem street
Pic 1106)

O n political patronage, the '•hop owners who lost their shops at the Bristol building
w a s temporarily Incited al site until the Bristol Building was come to be. But the
temporary structure still remain .no trace of urban space there was.
 106

In Bristol street demarcated by the buildings either side, with Commercial Bank,

Y M C A Bristol Hotel etc. Land between Bristol street and York street is propose for a

n e w development, n o w it is use as parking lot. A linear scale extcasion of smaller scale

stall and shops are in haphazard manner, with out considering the street character as

pedestrian walk way.

Fig (109)

Flight o f steps connecting York street and Bristol street

Fort is pre dominantly consist with administrative establishment , foreign embassies,

important government departments. It is very clear that there was no open space

around this area for people to pause, and stay in their lunch time.

Existing situation Bristol street converted to pedestrian street because of the security

reasons. Barriers obstructing each end of this street discourage vehicles as well as the

pedestrians. With out making barriers this street can be pedestrianized by discouraging

vehicles with landscape elements paving etc. Therefore to create pedestrian street it

should be provided freedom, accessibility for the pedestrians passes by.

This street is interconnecting main streets in Fort area with grid pattern. Bristol street

connecting major streets Chatham street and Sir Baron Jayathilake M w . Pedestrian

flow between Fort station area to York street along the Bristol street peak during

morning and evening. According to the Linkage theory explain in prior chapter, that

lines connecting one element to another by streets ,pedestrian ways and linear open
 107

spaces, making efficient in movement. Therefore, this urban void is located in major

pedestrianflowwhich is very important to provide a public space.

Fig (110.)
Pedestrian flow

W h e n considering the built form of the area there are lack of open spaces, according

to the map that showing built and unbuilt ratio. Area is dense with built forms

surrounded with tall buildings.

 108

* yVAOTH- C*=
*
-TVttS STREET.

Fig (112)
existing built forms

H
WITH o r -me- s i r e f e T .
Figll"^
change in width of street

N o w width of the Bristol street is reduced to the temporary' structures. T o make a

better enclosure, boundary is defined by the building edge, that defines the entity of

outer space with the interior. When properly made edge is increase the connection

inside and out side. Either side of this road not allowing human activity because

building remain cut off from surrounding as isolated islands on open spaces. Buildings

are not providing continuous niches, openings creating people to stop.

Through establishing limits inform of conceivable thresholds, urban spaces become

defined as a place by elements colonnades, arcades and level differences steps in

elevation are regulators, hi Bristol street connects with steps by York street as well as

with Duke street. These spaces can be highlighted and make the pedestrian flow

comfortable.
 109

Making a urban space with series of individual spaces and it connect with larger level
makes continuity. It can be achieve by the facades, sky lines and set backs etc. In this
street only the Coinmercial Bank provide the set back with elevated plinth.

piiiip mm
llSP
^^^^^^^^

Fig (114)

Elevated arcade in Commercial Bank

When considering the activity pattern in tliis area, pre dominantlv administrative
offices. People who are working in these officers, gather in these small stalls to have
their meal or to have a break. During the daytime degree of activity increased a« well
as the pedestrian flow through this street also increased.

Making this street fully pedestrian with paved areas which discourage vehicular access
with shady atmosphere. .And re- locating the informal sector activities either side or in
suitable place.
 110

Example : Adjoining land to world market

This land is only green patch left in the Fort area where people can enjoy it visually

.This parcel of land bounded by Olcotte M w . ,St. Sebestian canal, and railway- line.

This land in a higher elevation comparing to the railway line.

Fig. (116)
Section through the locationalog the Olcott mw.

Fig. (117)
Cross section through the location
 Ill

By connecting this open space with other major public space it will function well.

Pedestrian flow from railway station to Chatham street, along the Olcotte M w .

Intensely lugh during in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. Therefore this

open area/ is suitable for public space. First of all to make this open area as public

space, it should be provided accessibility.

This space convert as democrative space, where people can move freely. According to

the local situation, because of security consciousness, most of these predominant lands

are surrounded with barriers.

 3 Fig. (120)
Perm ant land mark

Fig. (121)
Informal sector commercial activities in the edge
of the pavement

Located off Olcotte Mw., near to the world market, where it is centralised location at

the point o f intersection with Olcotte M w . and e n d o f Chatham street. This open

space close proximity to railway station enables it to attract passing pedestrians freely.

The opportunity attract people informally as well as quality of space created as public

space.
 113

References - Chapter four

1. Bohier, R. A. ; Changing face of Colombo, Lake House Investments,

1984

2. Correa, C. ; The New Landscape, The Book Society of India, 1985

3. Hertzberger, H. ; Lessons for Students m Architecture, Uitgeverig, 010

Publishers. Rotterdam. 1991

4. Jacobs, C. A. B. ; Great Streets, The M I T Press, 1986

5. Kokuleraj, P. ; Use of Urban Spaces in Tropical Third World Cities,

6. Sudjic, D . ; 100 Mile City,
Multi-print, Pal Hua1991
Helsinki, Printers, Hong Kong, 1992
1

CONCLUSION

4
 114

CONCLUSION

D u e to the rapid development in the cities most of the western cities faced the

placelessness, but in many of the developing countries, the space in the urban

environment is not used properly because there exist under utilized spaces in the urban

built environment. In Architectural point of view, it can be considered as "lost s p a c e '

or 'Urban Void" in the built environment, because these spaces do not contribute

positively to the urban enviroiunent.

There are many factors which contribute to create these under-utilised spaces as

revealed in the first chapter. These factors are more relevant to western developed

countries, but in developing countiy like Sri Lanka factors change according to

existing situation ot the countiy.

T o re-develop these under-utilised spaces, theories and Philosophies in Urban design

have to be considered. By studying the second chapter, we can come to a conclusion

that all those theories are considering similar aspect in LVban Design. It is very

important to highlight the values of the U r b a n public space to transform 'Urban Void'

to valuable space. Only providing accessibility and values is not enough as public

space; it should be enhanced the spatial attributes that matters most in the under­

utilised ' Urban Voids'.

Under-utilised spaces or Urban Voids which are the most forgotten spaces in the city.

Therefore, it is of tremendous importance to study these numerous spaces and their

potential.

This study tries to show that many options to renewal of an urban voids by through

gradual selective infill, new pieces can be effectively brought in to harmony with

existing spaces and also be achieved by incremental way.

W h e n studying historical precedence, the connection and coherence of pedestrian

ways, open spaces and buildings etc. can be identified. Therefore it is more important

that separated buildings and activities can be integrated with coherent public open

spaces. /A,.
 115

This study reveals that there are three factors by which 'urban voids' are created,

such as,

* Increase dependence on auto mobiles and change in transportation

* Change in land use

* Attitudes of Society and Professional bodies

There are many factors that create 'urban voids' in local context apart from the above

three and studying them is beyond the scope of this study, and furthermore, these

factors can be vividly identified in Colombo C B D and its periphery. These factors is

the basis, when selecting examples of 'urban voids'.

In this study it is of great importance to know- thai above factors are the major cause

in existing 'urban voids' and other factors such as urban poverty, economical aspects,

security consciousness etc. are similar to all these examples. Special case as security

consciousness and legal problems which are unavoidable and also contribute to create

under utilization of land, specially in Sri Lanka. D u e to the security consciousness, it is

impossible to experience / study the urban built environment and as a matter of fact, is

a very unfortunate situation. In other words, it is the ever changing security

consciousness prevailing in the country which can be led to a counter argument, has a

remarkable impact in developing these 'urban lost spaces'.

In most m o d e m cities and even in Colombo area, working and living are widely

separated, creating transportation problems and city is dead during the night and

holidays. The other factor in under-utilization of land is the dependence on

automobiles. Therefore, responsible authorities should consider new ways of integrity

the automobile into urban landscape be found with out destroying the urban fabric

and out door space. In some instances, it is advisable to separate automobiles and

pedestrians; most spaces in the town will have to accommodate mix of people and

cars.
 116

Most of the urban spaces, their design quality being invaded by the political decision

making process. Therefore, designers role is to influence policy makers and the public

in order to ensure that the quality' of urban spaces is not compromised now. Selected

examples within the Colombo C B D and its periphery, most of the lands are owned by

the state. Because of the political interference they allocate the land to private sector

or for the infotmal commercial activities. Often they lease out these spaces to this

private sector companies where the use is prohibited for public.

Other observation in under-utilised spaces in Colombo C B D is that most of these

lands are fenced around it, preventing public use or encroaching and keep those lands

without any use for many years. It is important to make relevant authorities identified

the proper use of these spaces, than keeping them as 'Urban Voids'.
 117

BIBLIOGRAPHY

. Alexander, C. ; New Theory of Urban Design, Oxford

University Press, N e w York, 1987

2. A l e x a n d e r , C. ; Pattern Language, Oxford University Press,

New York, 1977

3 . B e n z , G. ; Elements of Urban Form

4. Bohier. R. A. : Changing face of Colombo, Lake House Investments,

1984

5. C a r r , S. ; F r a n c i s , M . ; R i v l i n , G. ; S t o n e , A. ;

Public Space, Cambridge University Press,

1992

6. C o r r e a , C h a r l e s ; The New Landscpe, Tata Press, Bombay,

1985

7. C u l l e n , G. ; Townscapc, The Architectural Press, 1968

8. Goldsteen, J.B., Elliot.C, D. ;

Designing America:Crcating Urban Identity, Van

Nostand Reinhold,New York, 1994

9. 1 lertzberger, II. ; LessonsforStudents in Architecture, Uitgevetig, 010

Publishers, Rotterdam, 1991

10. Jacobs. C. A. B. ; Great Streets, The M i l ' Press, 1986

1 1. K r i e r , R. ; Urban Space, Architectural Press, London.

1979

12. K o k u l e r a j , P . ; Use of Urban Spaces in Tropical Third

World Cities, M u l t i - p r i n t , H e l s i n k i . 19
 MS

13. P e r e r a , I... S. R. ; Accormmodating Informal Sector Enterprises

in the Urban Built Environment, Asian
I n s t i t u t e of T e c h i n o l o g y , H o n g K o n g , 1994

14. S h u l t z , N . ; Existence space and architecture, Studio

Vista, L o n d o n , 1971

1 5. Sucljic, D. ; 100 Mile City, Pal Hua Printers, Hong Kong, 1992

I 6. T r a n c i k , R. ; F i n d i n g Lost S p a c e s , 1 9 8 6