Small Open Space

Aadesh Kumar Kalwar Bipin Maharjan Dinesh Subedi Rachana Karki

dept. of architecture dept. of architecture dept. of architecture dept. of architecture
Kathmandu Engineering College Kathmandu Engineering College Kathmandu Engineering College Kathmandu Engineering College
Kalimati, Kathmandu Kalimati, Kathmandu Kalimati, Kathmandu Kalimati, Kathmandu

Abstract—People can participate in the public realm by using III. LITERATURES

public open spaces. In contrast to the setting of home or job, it
is a place where people can physically join the larger A. Public open spaces.
community. The absence of neighbor interactions and the Public Open Space can be defined as [3]:
isolation of people as a result of a lack of well-maintained public
• Public: open to the people.
open spaces have been characteristics of a new emerging town.
Many public open places around the world have been • Open: allowing entrance or access to public.
underappreciated and severely neglected. A well-planned public
open space would entice residents to leave their homes and • Space: interval between points or objects.
participate in a variety of activities. When it comes to use and
occupancy, this can raise the quality of the area. By evaluating
Public space can be defined as a common areas that is not
the architectural and urban elements of the public open spaces, closed or blocked up and provides access for people to share.
this research intends to discover and analyze dysfunctional It is a common space shared by strangers for a place of
public open spaces and weak linkages in those areas, and come enjoyment, gathering, politics, religion, commerce, sport etc.
up with solutions to improve these spaces and stimulate public Public open space is an important part of the city; with quality
life. spaces having a huge impact on city ranging overall areas
including social, economic and environmental benefits. Open
Keywords—Open Spaces, Community, Access and Linkage, space can enhance the character of residential areas, civic
Use and Activities, Sociability, Comfort and Image. buildings, conservation areas and archaeological sites [3].
I. INTRODUCTION. B. What makes successful open spaces ?
Public space is a place that is generally open and Within the framework of Project for Public Spaces; In a study
accessible to people. It is a space in which people can choose conducted worldwide, more than 1000 public spaces were
to be, regardless of their ethnicity, age, ideologies and gender. studied which concluded that success of the public spaces
A public space doesn’t necessarily indicates a typical square majorly depends on four key attributes [4]:
or garden but can also be a space of everyday use such as • Access and Linkage.
streets, sidewalks and public library [1]. Open spaces must be
connected with the surrounding environment which is • Use and activities.
important to attract people and activities in that space. • Sociability and activities.
The quality in public space design was achieved in the past in • Comfort and Image.
the form of great city squares in both eastern and western parts
of the world these historic squares that developed over the Access and Linkage is concerned with how space is connected
time span more than two millennium, still exists in European to its surroundings both visually and physically [5].
and Asian towns [2]. Traditional towns in the Kathmandu Accessibility is an important component of making a
Valley also support this case. Modern cities, on the other hand, successful public space. Successful squares aren’t just well
appear to disregard traditional planning and features as they walked around and usable but leading roads should also be
are created outside of the Kathmandu Valley's central region. safe and inviting to the pedestrians [4]. The purpose of
Public places that are not adequately utilized are poorly "Access and Linkage" is to describe the accessibility
managed and designed. In order to meet the housing needs of relationship between the surrounding area and the public open
expanding populations, a number of plans and programs have space environment to specify its strategy. Everyone should be
been developed, including site and service plans, land able to access and use public space.
grouping plans, land development plans for private Sociability involves the feeling of willingness to interact
developers, etc. However, the need for public spaces has not comfortably with people (i.e.: local people, neighborhood,
been taken into account, which has led to the degradation of including particularly strangers also)[5]. Social life is a basic
public open spaces. element for every successful public space. The important
II. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY. starting point in developing a concept for any public space is
to identify the talents and assets within the community [6].
• To identify initial objective to design Besides from finding of Project for Public Spaces, many other
• To understand user’s need. researches have proved that people participation and sense of
belonging are the important factors [4]. It is also concerned
• To access functional design. with users participation in maintaining space in a good
condition.
• To enhance quality of life.
Uses and activities are considered as the main reason why
• To encourage social interaction. people often visit and use a space. Activities can convert any
space into a different new spot, that is distinguishable among
the city’s other public spaces based on their diversity, and the
opportunities provided to the users to partake in them [5]. For

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people to continue using public spaces throughout the day, V. SITE AND DATA
there needs to be a good balance between users of all ages and
The 'Yaulakhel and Pushpalal smriti park' were chosen for the
genders participating in those activities. Comfort and image is
study because they were in a mixed urban region with two
related to the success of a space because when a space is
comfortable, it can represent itself well and leave good image contrasting contexts, such as in between mixed residential
in peoples mind [5]. Comfort and image includes how districts and in the river corridor. Yaulakhel and Pushpalal
individuals feel towards the public space, in terms of safety, smriti parks are in Lalitpur's Dhobighat and Dhalkhu,
cleanliness and maintenance. In addition to this individual’s Kathmandu respectively. The current context was good with
perception towards adjacent building and surrounding’s average management due to the involvement of local clubs
character are also equally important. Furthermore, comfort in and municipalities. Despite the fact that the community is
public spaces should have the space for people to sit. Many expanding, there is currently a lack of proper usage of the
public spaces don’t provide place to sit, so just to be settlement's public spaces. As a result, we decided to conduct
comfortable, people are often forced to adapt to the situation our investigation at Yaulakhel Park and Pushpalal smriti Park
in their own way [6]. Area.
C. Open Space Plan and Design.
It is now believed that sustainability indicators for urban A. Yaulakhel park
development should include more parameters about public 1) Feature of Public spaces: Local merchant Baldev
spaces and green open areas, as well as indexes reflecting Rajak claimed that Yaulakhel's land was first used for any
citizens' satisfaction and perception of their living random purpose and was unmanaged during an interview on
environments (Chiesura 2004). Based on the community May 9, 2023. Since the region was flat and on an elevated
perception and understanding, their reflection on the open terrain, the prevailing wind came mostly from the west. Site
space design would be satisfactory for the citizens. Research was reachable via a two-lane road network from three
done on the pocket park states pocket parks should be separate sides. The site was also connected to a dead end and
designed with the following criteria to ensure maximum was split into two sections by a road, with the remainder of
safety fort the community. the space on the western side of that road and the gym, public
• Active, frequent use.
restrooms, and municipal single-story structure in the eastern
• Regular and maintenance. section.
• Comfortable pedestrian traffic.
• Opportunities for recreational activities.
• Community groups and steward ship initiatives.
• Formal or informal supervision.
• Access to help if needed like telephones.

IV. METHODOLOGY
Within the interpretive paradigm, the research was conducted
utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodology. The
research's three methodological steps were as follows:
• Mapping of already-existing open spaces.
• Monitoring of user activity and open space use
• A survey of locals' opinions can be used to evaluate
the study area's open space.

The physical dimensions, distance, size, and number of

spaces were studied quantitatively in order to determine the
resources and capability that were available.
Figure 1: Tentative masterplan
To enable the dissemination of knowledge regarding open
space quality indicators, requirements and advantages, as
well as concepts and theories of planning for open spaces in
the neighborhood, primary and secondary data were gathered. Along with the designated open area, off-site facilities
included a club office with restrooms, a pharmacy, a temple
Depending on the morphology of the settlement, a systematic complex, and other supportive spaces. A small garden to the
random sampling was done. Since the major goal of the east and a play area, a small tea shop, appropriate seating
survey was to learn how people felt about public places, areas, a smoking area, etc. were located in the center of the
samples from various locations were tried to be included. site. A water tank for collecting water in case of an
emergency, such as a fire hazard, a small football field, a

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badminton court, and a volleyball court were available in the park was to encourage a feeling of comfort in social
lowland. interaction.

2) Existing scenario: That vendor said that the restroom

had controlled access, meaning it was locked while not in use.
As was already noted, the proprietor of the little tea store,
who also served as the club's chairman, managed and
maintained the park by himself. He was unsure of the cause,
but the flow of people has decreased by 60% compared to the
flow of people in the past. This park is used for this purpose
as well during epidemics. Various low-wage workers
received food throughout the COVID period. The area was
lively, and evening traffic was heavy. Local population flow
Figure 4: Pushpalal smriti park
is extremely minimal. It is because the neighborhood had a
mixed-use, high-income population residing there, but people
from other locations also frequented the area. The same
location is also used for a variety of social activities such as
training, exhibitions, and vaccinations, most of which are 1) Existing scenario: As we can see, the park's grounds
arranged by the local government, red cross, lion club, etc. are effectively divided between areas for children to play, an
open gym, and lots of places to sit. The majority of people
come this park for open gym, where there is greater public
participation. 50 persons were surveyed in the park, and the
results are what we found.
• 60% of people were involve in open gym.
• 20% of people were involve in sports.
• 10% of people were involve in social interaction.
• 2% of people were involve in religious activities.
Figure 2: Central seating area • 8% of people were involve in yoga.
According to our observations, the spaces are managed
properly, however the solid trash is not managed properly.
No dustbins or equipment for gathering rubbish were
visible to us.
VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.
A. Yaulakhel Park
Visual observation and informal talk with a local shopkeeper
were the basis for these contents. The primary goal of this
research is to comprehend user perceptions of public open
spaces. The outcome is divided into four attributes.
1) Access and Linkage: This open space lies in the center
Figure 3: Major play area of mixed-use residential area with two apartments to north
and south, a school to east, a pharmacy, temples, shops, a
café, etc. around it. Site was surrounded from all three
A. Pushpalal smriti park in Dhalkhu. direction with 2 lane pitched road from three different points.
Not all of the local people use the park but most of the people
Along the Bishnumati river, near Dhalkhu, Kathmandu, is
comes to park is from outside of that neighborhood.
where you'll find Pushpalal Smriti Park. This park is bounded
by two major roads in the south and east, the Bishnumati Proximity to this park from Neighboring houses is about 1 to
River in the west, and it is located in a mixed-use area. It takes 5 minutes.
five to ten minutes to walk from the adjoining house to get to 2) Uses and activities: Gym area and green garden was
the park, which is open to both locals and visitors. All age fenced due to which use of such was not possible but other
groups are equally represented in this park, and there are a spaces such as badminton court, small open football play
variety of venues available for use, including an open gym, a area, seating spaces, Chautara, etc. were unfenced, so use of
basketball court, lots of seating areas, and provisions for such were frequent. Small tea shop makes the park livelier for
universal access. The fundamental reason for creating this people going to that space. People typically use open places
for social interaction, sports, exercise, yoga, and religious
activities. It is also use for social works like awareness

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program, vaccination, Blood donation, trainings, etc. by red
cross, lion’s club, municipalities, etc.
Time of use
• 10% of people use open space in morning.
• 20% of people use open space in day.
• 70% of people use open space in evening.
Figure 6: Participation of people in weekend
3) Sociability: Despite the fact that the park is located in
a mixed-use residential zone with two apartments, the park is
used by fewer individuals in the neighborhood. Surrounded
by three major roads might have create discomfort for the
parents to let their children to play in the park.
4) Comfort and image: Provision of Collection of trash
was not in practice not even the trash bin. So, no proper
facilities for solid waste management.Play area containing
football ground and badminton court was in lower land which
might face problem of water collection during raining which Figure 7: Participation of people in normal days
means no proper facilities of drainage.
3) Sociability: Since there is a lot of public participation
B. Pushpalal smriti park in this park, it is a really lively place. Due to its location in
This analysis' primary goal is to comprehend how users feel the slump region, youngsters and the elderly make up the
about public open spaces. Four qualities have been assigned majority of visitors to this park. This may also be the cause
to the outcome. of the lower level of participation among nearby residents.
1) Access and Linkage:Access and Linkage is concerned The streets were extremely congested during the direct
with how space is connected to its surroundings both visually observation, which may have made it uncomfortable for the
and physically. Accessibility is an important component of parents to let their kids to play in the park. The park's ability
making a successful public space. to provide universal access was one of its positive aspects.
a) Proximity: Pushpalal Smriti Park is located in a
mixed-use area and is bordered by the bishnumati River on 4) Comfort and images: How people feel about the public
the west and two important roads: Pushpalal Road in the environment in terms of safety, cleanliness, and upkeep is
south and east. This park is within 5–10 minutes walking included in comfort and image. The way this person perceives
distance to nearby neighborhoods, and it is open to the public the character of the surroundings and the buildings next to it
as well as residents. are also crucial. Furthermore, there should be space for
2) Use and Activity: For the proper balanced participation people to sit in public areas for comfort. Many public
of the people in the park there must be proper division of the locations don't have seating, thus individuals frequently have
spaces. to make their own adjustments to the environment in order to
a) Activities and use of open spaces: This park features feel comfortable.
ample resting areas as well as areas for children to play, an As we can see, there are plenty of places for people to sit and
open gym, and a basketball court. The majority of individuals rest, however the solid waste management wasn't well
use public places for sports, exercise, yoga, and social managed. No dust bins or other tools for collecting dust were
interaction. This park hosts not just sporting events but also present during our visit. The Bishnumati river receives any
social, cultural, and educational ones. rainwater that has accumulated there.
b) Time of use: VII. CONCLUSION
According to the study's findings, one of the main problems
with the current public places is the lack of involvement of
the surrounding community. Due to bad administration and
a lack of engaging features, accessible public spaces are not
welcoming. Neighborhood participation in open space
Figure 5: Participation of people programs is absolutely necessary for their success. One of the
main reasons for the degradation of open spaces is a lack of
community engagement in the maintenance of public areas.
From the above table we can see the participation of the all-
The value of public space has not been recognized by
age group people in normal days and in the weekend day. For
neighborhoods, and the inadequate development of
the percentage we can see from the below pie chart.
neighborhood public space is also lowering the standard of
social life.
The current flaws in the design and administration of public
spaces, such as inadequate upkeep, improper access, and a
lack of solid waste management, seem to have had an impact

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on how they are used both regularly and during social ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
gatherings. We would like to thank those who contributed for the
When considering all four factors, it becomes obvious that, if completion of this research. First and foremost, we would like
open spaces are well maintained, they have a high potential to thank the Department of architecture for giving us this
for being used effectively and also contribute to the learning opportunity that helped us develop valuable
environment's welfare. If we are able to provide proper solid life lessons of patience, perseverance, teamwork, resilience,
waste management, such as providing dustbins according to cooperation, and most of all, the endless pursuit of
waste in open space, it might help to improve the knowledge.
environment of the spaces, proper management of the spaces Second, we would like to convey our deep and sincere
according to age group, and ample sitting spaces might help gratitude towards Associate Prof. Kailash Shrestha,
to increase the participation of local people and interaction Associate Prof. Subash Phuyal, Associate Prof. Moon Singh
between the local neighbors. Dongol, Associate Prof. Sweta Shrestha for providing
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS invaluable guidance. support, advises, comments,
suggestions, and provisions that help in the completion and
• According to observations, people prefer accessible success of this study. It was a great privilege and honor to
parks as open spaces; therefore, during the work and study under her guidance.
restoration of existing open spaces, a park with Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone
adequate accessibility and basic facilities should be who helped us, directly or indirectly, to complete the
provided to engage users. research.
• Even though children are surrounded by technology
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