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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC

PLACE
A CASE STUDY OF MARTYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

Anjana Mary Jacob

Marian College of Architecture and Planning
Marian College Rd, Kazhakkoottam, Menamkulam, Kerala 695582
[email protected]

Abstract: Now a days, every city develops at a very fast One of the most important features of urban life today is
rate. Many factors contribute to this huge development. complex social relationships. Part of the relationships are
Many parts of the city have various forms and physical in the work environment, but much of them take place in
structures. Urban places and its different forms have a big the form of social interaction in the urban place concept.
influence and effect on the people using it. Urban places in So, urban place plays an important role in the social
current scenario are important due to different reasons. So development of citizens. Social interactions are formed in
it is necessary to analyse if an urban square is working these places. A social zone is defined and also the
good today. Only by evaluation can we identify the issues mechanisms of collective life are experienced. Thus the
affecting its performance. This dissertation aims at absence of a suitable urban place can cause social ills in
understanding Martyrs’ Square, Trivandrum. Martyrs’ cities. Squares are one of the most important urban areas
Square is a very important urban place in Trivandrum, and have long been the context of formation of social life.
India. Many political and other activities are held here. The impacts of quick changing monetary and social
The Martyrs’ square at Palayam Trivandrum, a 64 year conditions have progressively become notable on how
old urban space, which was originally placed as landmark individuals use and shape their surroundings. The urban
for the region, was used for several gatherings and populace has been drastically expanding overall and hence
occasions. The immediate surrounding areas saw huge physical structure of the urban areas changes always, for
development in the eventual years. Martyrs’ Square the most part in negative ways. As the populace expands,
became an isolated spot in the midst of all the newer the interest for infrastructure and equipment becomes
developments and buildings around it. The gatherings and greater. Privatization and decentralization are the two
ceremonies started happening in a confined fenced area noteworthy worries on the eventual fate of the urban areas
with the commemorative tower in the middle of a traffic and open spaces.
intensive urban area. In spite of the area limitation,
gatherings and public events continue to be held there. When it comes to urban space, public space and urban
This study is an attempt to explore how Martyrs’ square square, many scholars have different opinions. Some have
has evolved as an urban space and how to understand its identified urban spaces with a number of different
behaviour in the current scenario. This study also draws perspectives (Krier, 1979, p.15). Also having a physical
down to different methods of improving the performance of approach of urban space, identifies space as the form
Martyr’s square as an urban public square. (without imposing aesthetic criteria). Subsequently, Krier
characterizes urban space as the “external space”, “all
Keywords: About four key words or phrases in types of space between buildings in towns and other
alphabetical order, separated by commas. localities.” The concept of urban space needs to take into
consideration the physical, social and symbolic aspects at
1 INTRODUCTION the same time. Urban spaces are important segment of
daily lives (Francis, 1987, p. 23). Such activities of daily
1.1 Background life take place both in public spheres and private spheres.

India is in a rapid phase of development. The development Public spaces also depict a crucial and essential part of the
occurs in various phases and in certain areas. Usually a ‘democratic’ community life, particularly urban squares, a
settlement pattern rises along the core area of growth. The public property that serves as a site with the expectation of
spaces and its functions changes according to the period complimentary discourse and free judgment of chose
and planning of the area. Spatial organization of today is authorities in full perspective of others. Public spaces are
more chaotic and dense. There is a geometrical irregularity important components of daily lives. The public space
but it goes on with harmony with the humans. A state of concept covers an extensive variety of roles and capacities
disorder can be seen in various public spaces. Hence, these in a variety of physical setting such as streets, squares,
spaces should be designed with respect to functions and plazas, market places and parks. This study aims to focus
their connections with the surrounding environment. The on the public urban spaces such as squares.
public spaces should be in correspondence with the culture,
traditions, history and sentiments of the people of the Every society has its own particulars for such urban public
particular area. open spaces, every one of these terms addresses a typical
point which is: ‘the open space for public use’ concept of
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urban square. In this respect urban squares have a social negative effects. It also plays a major role in influencing
angle in appreciation of its public dimension and a spatial the people in terms of various aspects. Hence, it is essential
facet because of its physical organization. Urban Square to know various aspects of an urban square and what all
frequently has been an image of social communication and characteristics contribute to a perfect well-functioning
majority rules system. According to Lynch, an urban urban public square.
square is the “activity focus” in the centre of dense urban
areas. He states that “. . . it will be paved, enclosed by high 2 METHODOLOGY
density structures, and surrounded by streets, or in contact
with them. It contains features meant to attract groups of
people and to facilitate meetings” (Lynch, 1981, p. 443). The methodology used is data collection, literature case
As a result, I think that an urban square is one sort of urban studies and then live case studies. Various parameters of
open public space that focuses on the public space system, urban squares are found out and analysed with the
providing a forum for interchange, both social and literature and live case studies. The various case studies are
financial, and a focus for civic pride and community compared to derive an output for the entire study.
expression.
3 DATA ANALYSIS
In urban planning, public space has generally been
characterized as “open space”, which means the streets, An urban place is an area where many people live and
parks and amusement regions, squares and other freely work together. It is the exact opposite of rural which
possessed and oversaw outside spaces, in contrast with the consist of farms and nature. Urban place includes the
private area of lodging and work. Despite that, the late towns and cities. Urban spaces are those spaces between
advancements of the types of urban settlement and the buildings in towns and other localities which is
increasing number and assortment of semi-open spaces geometrically bounded by a variety of elevations. It is only
oversaw by private-open or totally private organizations the clear legibility of its geometrical characteristics and its
addresses this thought acquired from a legitimate point of aesthetic quality which allow us consciously perceive
view. Nowadays, public places should be understood as not external space as urban space. (Rob Krier, 1979).
quite the same as people in the general area of the state and
its subdivisions, but instead as a place available to the Urban places are public spaces which can be open spaces
general population. Urban public squares are assumed to or semi open spaces. They are usually framed by building
be a key part in the urban structure and city life, turning within an urban settlement. They create an image of a city
into an advantaged component keeping in mind the end which remains in the minds of a person visiting the city.
goal to advance regional attachment. The image of an urban space is a result of not only its built
form (massing, form, facades, character of the buildings
The performance of urban spaces gradually evolves with etc…) and enclosed space but also the activities that are
time, developmental pressures, outlook of the people etc. It held in that space. But most of today's urban spaces in
can change for good or for bad. No matter what the integral cities do not convey a sense of place, have poorer visual
attributes of a good urban space has to be retained in spite and aesthetics quality, they lack of strong architectural
of all development activities if the space has to be relevant character, with which they can be associated.
to urban users. This is usually not the case in many places.
This dissertation tries to understand about the idle 3.1 Urban Square
attributes of a good urban space. Further it tries to
understand through an example how the evolution of an According to Lynch, an urban square is the “activity focus”
urban space over period has changed the behavioural in the centre of dense urban areas. He states that “. . . it will
pattern of the urban space. It tries to analyse if the changes be paved, enclosed by high density structures, and
prove good for the current users or not. Martyrs’ Square surrounded by streets, or in contact with them. It contains
Trivandrum, has been chosen as a Case study to explore features meant to attract groups of people and to facilitate
the above aspect in this study. meetings” (Lynch, 1981, p. 443). There are various types
of Urban Squares based on various factors.
1.2 Need of the study
3.2 Performance analysis of a good urban square and
The fast changing social and economic conditions have a Literature Case Study
huge effect on how people use and shape their space and
environment. The urban structure today has significantly There are various parameters on which urban square
increased worldwide and as a result the social and physical performance can be analysed. This include aces, activity,
structure of the cities changes accordingly. As the site furniture, image, size focal points, landscaping, spatial
population increases the demand for spaces also increases. organization etc...
Privatization and decentralization are the future of cities
and open public places. There are various types of public
Various case studies such as Manek Chowk (Hyderabad),
places. One of which is the urban square. Urban squares Times Square (New York), and Connaught Place (Delhi)
are open public spaces which reflect the cities’ identity and
are analysed based on the identified parameters.
the communities’ cultural background. They are where
people of the community gather and “urban life” takes
place since the ancient times. As the fundamental 3.3 Live Case Study
component of the city structure, urban squares contribute
to the image and prestige of the city. The urban area Martyrs’ Square, Trivandrum is taken as the live Case
evolves with time and it can have both positive and study and analysed with the identified parameters and then
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compared with the literature case studies. Some methods

for improving the performance of this live case study is put
forward.

4 CONCLUSION

Urban places have a major role in the development of a

city. By understanding an urban place we can find many
factors affecting it and analyze it in terms of different
parameters. Different urban squares vary in accordance
with various aspects. Martyr’s Square is a major urban
public place in Trivandrum City. The people using the
place have adapted themselves to use this area as it is. This
area has evolved through various times and has gone
through many changes. By understanding of this urban
place we can find many different aspects of the area in
terms of political, educational, religious and administrative
functions. The area has evolved through time and is a good
example of an urban public square in Trivandrum even
though it lacks many features compared to other urban
squares in the country and the world.

AKNOWLEDGMENT

On the very out set of this report, I would like to extend my

sincere and heartfelt obligation towards all the personages
who have helped me in this endeavor. Without their active
guidance, help and encouragement, I would not have made
headway in the project. I am ineffably indebted and
extremely thankful to my guide Associate Prof. Ar.
Sairam. R Sir for his consciousness guidance and support
to accomplish this dissertation. I extend my gratitude to my
principal Ar. Dileep C.V who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic
“PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A
CASE STUDY OF MARTYR’S SQUARE,
TRIVANDRUM”. I also acknowledge with a deep sense of
reverence, my gratitude towards my friends who did Urban
Design on Palayam. I also extend my acknowledgement to
my family members who helped me with the project and
all my friends who had been a constant support throughout
the completion of this dissertation.

Any omission in this brief acknowledgement does not

mean any lack of gratitude.

REFERENCES

[1] Public Squares: An analysis of an urban space form and its

functional determinants by George Michel Peter 1963
[2] Advances in Landscape Architecture by Murat Z. Memluk
[3] Streets As Public Spaces: A case study of Manek Chowk by Ar.
Amrita Shukla and Prof. Neerja Desai Navratra
[4] Perception of urban public squares in India by Vaishali Sharma
[5] Public Spaces: 10 Principles for Connecting People and the Streets
by Priscila Pacheco
[6] Good City Form by Kevin Lynch (1995)
[7] Urban Open Spaces in Historical Perspective by Benjamin W.
Stanley, Barbara L.Stark Michel E Smith
[8] The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch (1960)
[9] Finding Lost Space. Theories of Urban Design by Trancik R (1986)
[10] A Pattern Language .towns buildings construction by Alexander .C
(1977)
[11] Public Space, Place of urban life by Francisso M Sendoura and
Jorge M Ribeiro
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