REINVENTING INTERACTIVE OPEN SPACES IN TODAY’S CONTEXT

IN INDIA
Ar. Devyani N. Totala
Dept. of Architecture,MIT, Aurangabad

Abstract

The rapid growth of cities has had a huge impact on the urban open spaces. These spaces are deteriorating at a
fast pace.The interactive urban spaces are very critical to urban living,and are a basic need, since they are the
means for social interaction The social and cultural values of open space include attitudes towards nature and
the desire for contact with it; contemporary understandings of neighbourhood offer new insights into ways to
serve both human needs and the broader social framework of urban open space structures. .The open spaces in
cities are places to celebrate cultural diversity, to engage with natural processes and to conserve
memories.Traditionally, in India, the open spaces were so designed considering climate, socio-cultural, as
well economic factors.These spaces were parks,bazaars,temple courtyards etc. But, with globalisation, and
also due to adoption of western culture, the connotation of the urban spaces, in India,changed. It has been
suggested that the urbanity of public open space is threatened by the increase in ‘virtual’ transactions, obviating
the need for real, social interaction, but there is also evidence that use of new communications technology can
increase and enhance use of public open space; this may include engagement in the productive aspect of our
landscape This Paper focuses on understanding the need of open spaces in today’s context and how the use of
open spaces in India is distinct from the spaces in western countries. In the present study, Problem of urban
open spaces in India will be critically analysed and solution will be given.
Key Terms: Interactive Urban Spaces, Social Interaction, Parks,