Democratizing the city through public space

Abstract

A city may have billions of investments for its infrastructural developments but without a functional public space, the city can never be as enthusiastic as it can be. The history of mankind shows that all the great public buildings in antiquity had a vital and functional use of public spaces for community life which is missing now. In Bangladesh many groups-women, racial minorities, the homeless and street people have all suffered literal, physical marginalization. The people of Bangladesh are struggling to retain their rights against many odds, for example, the journey of 'Gonojagoron Moncho' (a platform made by mass people where they can raise their voice against injustice & for their rights) began at the busy Shahbag road intersection in Dhaka which eventually resulted in the serious traffic congestion. Despite the odds, this movement triggered the creation of more platforms in different districts of Bangladesh. This shows there is no settled position from which to make public awareness and protest, therefore the public spaces has to be invented again and again. There is no set formula but there are limitations. To increase overall individual well-being and freedom, it is necessary to assure free and unstigmatized access to the public spaces.