The transformative characteristics of public spaces in unplanned settlements

Abstract

This research aims to explore the transformative specifications of public space in unplanned settlements. The neglected state of some urban specification, particularly urban spaces is one of the current problems in cities undergoing rapid urbanization. Public spaces in unplanned settlements manifest the resultant of the socio-economic condition in a specific context. The research employed the qualitative method and techniques such as unobtrusive observation, photography, mapping, and graphical analysis to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. The findings reveal a dynamic system of reproduction of the public spaces based on the mass-space proportions and private-public relationships with temporary, portable, and assembled components with low quality in the area. In this regard, the transformative character of the public spaces could categorize in four types including de-form, less-form, soft-form, and anti-form spaces. The result of the research reveals that although there is a process of changing the private spaces to semi-private, paths and open spaces are more vulnerable under the pressure of users to privatize the spaces. The results of this research could help the policymakers and designers for real insight into the public spaces in unplanned settlements.