Reimagining Public Spaces in the Post-Pandemic Era; New Approach to Community Spaces

Reimagining Public Spaces in the Post-Pandemic Era; New Approach to Community Spaces

Ar. Neelam Kushwah, Ananya Totla

ABSTRACT

The vitality of a city hinges on the vibrant activities propelled by its residents, whose needs should be paramount in urban planning endeavors. Central to a city's essence is its capacity to cultivate lively public realms where interactions are meaningful and enriching. Local hubs such as streets and markets serve as pivotal nodes for community engagement, frequented by inhabitants for various purposes. Elevating the quality of these public spaces transcends the mere pursuit of iconic architectural landmarks. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing urban growth and evolution, cities often grapple with adaptivity challenges, resulting in their gradual degradation. An ideal public space should exhibit adaptability to the ever-changing environmental, social, cultural, and economic landscapes. Thus, the crux lies in designing public spaces that are not only sustainable but also adept at accommodating the evolving dynamics within the urban fabric, including the post-COVID-19 effects on human interaction. This necessitates a thoughtful approach to revitalizing public markets, considering factors such as social distancing measures, sanitation protocols, and shifts in consumer behavior towards online shopping, while still preserving their essence as vital community spaces.

Keywords: Public realms, Pivotal nodes, Adaptive use, COVID-19, Revitalizing