Creating Connection and Community through Open Space

Open space becomes the most important part that reflects and shapes society and culture as a center for social, cultural and commercial activities regardless of social, economic or cultural background. Since old times, public open space has played an important role in life by functioning as a gathering place for politics, intellectual discourse and relations. Continuing in the Middle Ages, public spaces became more popular including market squares and churchyards, while also serving social and cultural purposes. In the era of the Industrial Revolution, public open spaces grew, changing the urban landscape, with public spaces becoming more important as a place to socialize and relax. However, during this industrial revolution, there was also a shift in the form of public open space. This period also gave rise to new public space forms, such as shopping arcades or department stores that catered to the consumer culture at that time. This evolution is inseparable from meeting the changing needs of society. Now, the design focused on creating versatile spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles while encouraging community interaction and reflecting the diverse cultures and identities that make up society. However, many factors still need to be resolved to achieve this, such as financial factors, conflicts of rulers' interests, or exclusivity practices from certain communities or groups.

1.000 Trees, Photo by Qingyan Zhu

The development of architecture is in an unbalanced phase between the development of buildings and the basic needs of living things, this cannot be separated from the lives of people with quick technological growth. Although architecture shapes society, the formed environment significantly impacts personal and social life. This makes people's lifestyles and works in small spaces without connection to the outside world, which has negative impacts such as claustrophobia, anxiety, and depression. Integrating open space in architectural design influences our lifestyle, feelings, and attitudes toward life.

As a designer or architect design and plan especially in inner spaces with 'maximum user comfort' being one of the top priorities, but often ignoring the importance of open or public space. Small actions such as opening one window or void can drastically affect the frame of mind towards life. This must change, and people who study or practice architecture must be encouraged to weave outdoor space into their designs to create balance and improve the quality of the user experience.

chuzi house, Source by Syam Sreesylam

There are also concepts to restore the balance between living things, nature, and buildings. As public spaces design, there is an increasing emphasis on creating sustainable and inclusive environments that reflect the values and aspirations of contemporary society. For example, new developments integrating green spaces and public art installations facilitate a healthier and visually appealing environment. Additionally, accessibility and inclusiveness in public spaces are becoming more commonplace with features such as wheelchair ramps or audio guides for individuals with disabilities. These public areas should provide spaces where people can live, work and play in one location, promoting a sense of community while reducing the need for long journeys. In addition to features that offer convenience to users, public open spaces must also be able to balance between indoor and outdoor spaces to help understand the integration of the project and improve its design. This can be achieved by highlighting the proportions, materials, and colors used inside and outside, and the overall arrangement of spaces in the design.

coopers park year 2100 source by mvrdv

Open spaces and public spaces in the future can be designed to reflect the values and aspirations of contemporary society by promoting multipurpose development and community interaction. This space mirrors society and culture, giving a sense of identity and continuity to the surrounding community. In a world where people are increasingly isolated and divided, public spaces serve as important meeting places for people from all backgrounds, bringing communities back to the forefront of everyday life. As such, it is important to recognize the importance of public spaces and continue to invest in their design, maintenance, and accessibility to ensure they remain an integral part of our urban landscape.

Urban Landscape, Source by Colour