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Public spaces for the common good

Architecture defines to a great extent 'who' a country's people are in the eyes of an outsider. Although a

Walk Way

country which is not even half a millennia old yet, as a nation the founders of the USA had given much through to what their nation will speak to the world through the architecture that stands impressively in their capital -Washington D.C.

Memorialisation is also a very central element in Sate planned topography that will demarcate 'spaces' for commemoration of what is valued in a country's narrative of its civilisation. What I wish to discuss in this article is to do with what I learnt from a conversation one evening with two persons who are conscious of the need for 'public spaces' that contribute to a community's communal bonding and help improve an individual's mental health. Udan Fernando and Debra Efroymson are regular visitors to the Mount Lavinia beach and they have seen what great value it has as a 'public space' which functions smoothly with hardly any institutional supervision involved.

After hearing engineer Rohan Seneviratne, Additional Secretary (Technical), Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Project Director, Metro Colombo Urban Development Project at a forum on how the government is now placing emphasis on creating public spaces as part of the post-conflict development plan, Debra had been inspired to make an initiative to do a study on the functional aspect of what would be an ideal public space.

Social stratification

Together with Udan, the two of them had identified the merits of the Mount Lavinia beach that reveals its idealness as a public space that has come into function without any barriers of class or other forms of social stratification involved. A research study had been embarked upon with the help of Dr. Jagath Munasinghe, Head, Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa and has now culminated in an upcoming publication titled Public Space and Quality of Life: A Case Study of Mount Lavinia Beach. The report is to be launched on July 30 and what is hoped thereafter is for active dialogue between the authorities to consider various aspects that contribute towards developing successful public spaces.

Can a public space be created through policy decisions or does it get created gradually through nondescript citizens finding a particular geographic location conducive to spend some time away from the tedium of their routine which could be either severely housebound or tied to office work? A public space of course would mean a place that is accessible to all with no entry fee involved or stipulations of

Spending for purchases, be it food and beverages or items for kids amusement. Looking at the locations in and around the greater Colombo area one could say that both policy decisions and gradual common communal usage can create public spaces.

Urban landscape

Arguably Colombo's best known public space today is the Galle Face green. The dedication of that stretch of land overlooking the sea to the 'Ladies and Children of Colombo' by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward can be seen as possibly the first ever public space being created by a policy decision. Declaring a patch of land as a public space is one thing, but then how does it gain its 'character' in terms of being topographically moulded to suit the urban landscape? This is where active human intervention comes in, which can be either institutional or through gradual public participation that would result in structures coming on the scene.

Tourist attractions

Thanks to the present Urban Development Authority, the capital city of Kotte, of which I am a constituent, has today two remarkably spectacular public spaces, located in Kotte near the Diyawannawa and in Nugegoda. These are not only used and appreciated by the joggers and walkers but also families and youth who find great respite being in the salubrious settings. I was made ware by Debra that spaces such as these in the jargon related to town and city planning are called 'scripted public spaces' whereas a place like the Mount Lavinia beach would qualify to the definition of 'unscripted public spaces'.

Diyatha Uyana	Dutch Hospital

With our growing schemes of urbanisation the need for public spaces to ensure citizens have spaces that have good accessibility and with the right 'ingredients' that facilitate a calm and safe environment to relax their minds is a need that cannot be negated.

From my point of view with the bolstered policy decisions to promote tourism round the country that now includes the greater Colombo area shaping most potential spaces in a touristy glow to serve as tourist attractions may not necessarily serve the needs of the citizens of that locale.

leisure area in Colombo	Racecourse Mini Stand

Gaggles of camera clad tourists clicking their cameras at the landscape where citizens are enjoying some quality leisure time can be irritating to those who value their privacy and appreciate the harmonious ambience that helps find peace of mind.

Weli Park Nawala

The government of the day is achieving remarkable strides in terms of urban planning and city beautification. These are the fruits of defeating a three decade long separatist war that crippled our chances to enhance public life. But the pursuit of economic goals bust be realised through polices that are integrated with the needs for 'citizens' wellness' that is outside the scope of economic well being.

Through hearing the pulse of the citizenry and dialoguing to realise their aspirations in terms of workable, salutary urban topography beneficial to all, the administrators and constituents will surely further the goals of 'people's government'.

Courtesy : Daily News