These unprecedented times have allowed us to think outside of the box and creatively look at how we view and utilize the public realm. Therefore, it is time to reconfigure cities into more ecological and equitable spaces and create more recreational avenues that people can enjoy at ease.
Social Spaces serve as a strong catalyst in building social cohesion in the community. These spaces have their physical characteristics and various intensity of activities. We need to reassess how we live in our city squares and on our streets. Retail and commercial leisure activities dominate the city centres. The culture of a place depends on how these spaces are planned and used.
Shops along the streets, which give people a sense of outdoor space with easy access, will be preferred. We will need to relook at the width of lanes in front of shops and create paths for walkers, bikers, and other vehicles, emphasizing on better circulations and connections of inner lanes for improved walkability on these streets. The outdoor plazas shall be designed with more green divisions in the landscape to exercise social distancing whilst creating small intermediate bays for families and kids to play and be one with nature.
It’s time to look afresh at cityscapes.
One may consider converting large parks into interactive plazas, dining spaces, picnic hubs and small shopping markets towards the later part of the evenings, giving people of different age groups an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and engage in various activities. Additionally, there are therapeutic benefits of quiet time spent on a park bench for the elderly. Picnic hubs would involve young people and children to communicate, encourage learning of different cultures and identities, and develop bonds that form the very essence of a community.
