Social Dimension of Public Space, The Case of Gasibu Square – Bandung, Indonesia

Wahid, Julaihi and Karsono, Bambang and Harman Shah, Abdul Hadi (2009) Social Dimension of Public Space, The Case of Gasibu Square – Bandung, Indonesia. In: Proceedings of International Conference on Communication and Environment : Transformation for Sustainable Tomorrow, 9 - 11 December 2009, Park Royal Hotel, Pulau Pinang - Malaysia.

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Abstract

Space and society are integral parts in the study of urban design. The intangibles of space are difficult to conceive without a social dimension to provide its context and the relationship is best conceived as a continuous two-way process in which people and societies create and modify space, influenced by users in a multiplicity of ways through time. Social relations are constituted, constrained, and mediated by space, whilst the shape of the built environment is influenced by the pattern of human activities and social life. Public space such as streets, squares and parks create a form in tandem with the ebbs and flows of human exchange. Throughout history communities have developed public space according to their needs, be it a market, a place for sacred celebrations or sites for local rituals. This paper focuses on Gasibu Square, a favorite public place in Bandung that supports the needs of urban-dwellers. The uniqueness of Gasibu Square is spatio temporal fluidity where the usage of space changes throughout the week. Informal activities are occurring spontaneously through collective agreement that result in a festive atmosphere of the place. On Sunday mornings for example, the place turns into an informal market place. The paper also delves into the unique social movements and interactions of the Sunday market in Gasibu Square, Bandung. The research applied various techniques in gathering the datas and presenting findings in line with the various socio-spatial dimensions. Keywords: public space, spontaneous space, informal market, social relationship, Gasibu Square.

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