Decolonizing Public Spaces: Beyond Western Ideals
Public spaces have always played a pivotal role in human society. As physical arenas where community activities transpire, these areas serve as microcosms of societal values, identities, and histories. However, the dominant narrative guiding the design and purpose of these spaces has largely been swayed by Western perspectives, often overshadowing the diversity of community needs, particularly in non-Western contexts.
To genuinely grasp the nuances of decolonizing public spaces, with special emphasis on parks and green open spaces, we must first understand the colonial ideologies that have driven their design. European colonial powers, spanning continents, introduced their architectural styles, urban planning methods, and aesthetic values wherever they established their rule. From boulevards in Vietnam echoing the grandeur of Parisian streets to railway designs in India mirroring British engineering, the Western “imprint” was pervasive.
This Western-centric approach was not merely an innocent transfer of architectural techniques. Instead, it was a calculated move to assert dominance, reinforce power dynamics, and subtly acculturate colonized populations. The public spaces in these regions ceased to be just places of congregation; they became arenas for showcasing superiority.
The Cost of Ignoring Cultural Practices and a Global Awakening
When we discuss the limitations of Westernized public spaces, the conversation often gravitates towards aesthetic differences. However, the implications run much deeper. Public spaces, designed without factoring in local practices, risk alienating the very communities they are meant to serve.
Consider the example of public parks in African cities, designed with vast expanses of manicured lawns and designated pathways for jogging and cycling, echoing Western recreational parks. At first glance, these might seem like inclusive spaces open to all. However, upon closer examination, the cultural mismatch becomes evident.
For residents of places like Kibera, Kamukunji, Dandora and Kayole in Nairobi, a park isn’t just a space for physical recreation; it’s a communal area where social interactions and economic activities take precedence. Activities deeply rooted in local cultures and needs, such as ‘informal trading’, farming, communal gatherings (barazas), storytelling sessions, sporting activities, and dancing, require spaces that can accommodate flexible usage, something rigid Western designs might not always offer.
Fortunately, the modern era, with its emphasis on globalization and interconnectivity, has brought with it a renewed scrutiny of public spaces. As cities worldwide become melting pots of cultures, there’s a growing realization about the inadequacies of a one-size-fits-all approach.
There’s now an evident push to reclaim public spaces, not in a manner that discards Western influence entirely, but one that seeks to harmonize it with local values. This movement isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about identity, respect, and acknowledgment of a community’s history, values, and aspirations.
The story of public spaces is incomplete without addressing the undeniable force of informal economies. For a large section of the global population, especially in developing countries, informal economies are not just an alternative; they’re a primary source of livelihood. They provide a heartbeat to many bustling cities, yet, when it comes to planning and urban design, these significant components are often neglected, or worse, considered nuisances. Despite their visibility and significance, city plans often relegate them to the periphery, prioritizing more “modern” or “formal” establishments.
Public Spaces and the Neglect of Informality
Why is there a systemic neglect of informal economies when designing public spaces? The answer, in part, lies in the residue of colonial thinking and its close associate, Western capitalist ideals. As established earlier, the colonization of public spaces often came with predefined notions of order, structure, and formality — elements seen as markers of ‘civilized’ societies.
In Kibera for instance, the importance of informal markets cannot be overstated. They are the lifeblood, providing essential goods and services to thousands. But when public spaces are conceptualized without considering these markets, friction arises. Space becomes a contested domain, with authorities viewing these informal setups as obstructions, while for the local populace, they’re essential hubs of community life and economic sustenance.
Reimagining Spaces with Informality at the Forefront
To truly decolonize public spaces, planners and policymakers must reassess their perspective on informality. This means recognizing and valuing the economic and social contributions of these sectors.
In Dandora and Kamukunji, a transformative approach to informal economies has taken root, quite literally. Within the sprawling expanses of their public parks, urban farming and gardening have emerged not merely as aesthetic or environmental ventures but as vital pillars of the local informal economy. These agricultural practices, while enhancing green spaces, provide community members with income-generating opportunities, enabling them to sustain and nurture the parks. As the produce finds its way into local markets, it creates a self-perpetuating cycle: parks support the community through livelihoods, and in turn, the community sustains the parks. This intertwining of green spaces with informal economic structures showcases a resilient and sustainable model for urban development.
A crucial first step to reimagining public spaces with informality at the forefront is consultation/ public participation. Engaging with stakeholders from informal sectors during the planning process ensures that their needs and challenges are understood and incorporated. Public spaces can be designed to offer flexible usage, accommodating street vendors during peak hours and serving as communal areas during off-peak times.
Furthermore, design strategies should aim for inclusivity. For instance, creating designated zones for vendors, offering basic amenities like storage (vibanda stalls) or shade, and providing infrastructural support such as easy access to water or sanitation can transform these spaces into thriving hubs.
Public spaces that integrate informal economies offer multiple benefits. They become vibrant centers of economic activity, promoting local entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. Furthermore, they foster community interaction, social cohesion, and cultural expression. By giving informal economies a rightful place, public spaces can serve as platforms for celebrating local identity, traditions, and innovations.
Moreover, when informal economies are supported rather than sidelined, they often transition towards formalization. With access to better infrastructure, training, and support, these sectors can grow, diversify, and contribute more effectively to the city’s economic framework.
Community Voices Lead the Way
One of the most pressing challenges in urban planning is the creation of spaces that not only serve but also resonate with the people. The design aphorism, “Nothing about us, without us, is for us,” holds profound relevance here. Decolonizing public spaces means actively involving local communities in the planning process, ensuring their needs, aspirations, and histories are integrally woven into the fabric of the space.
Active community involvement shuns tokenism. Instead, it pushes for participatory design approaches where community members are not mere respondents but active collaborators. This process acknowledges the community as the foremost experts on their lived experiences, their requirements, and the subtle dynamics that influence their interactions with public spaces.
Beyond Infrastructure: Enabling Social Justice and Empowerment
At its core, the push for culturally resonant public spaces is anchored in principles of social justice and empowerment. Public spaces are more than just physical entities; they are platforms for civic engagement, cultural expression, and community solidarity. When designed inclusively, they can combat societal inequalities by ensuring everyone, regardless of their socio-economic or cultural background, has equal access to the city’s amenities.
For slum areas, this becomes even more pertinent. The equitable distribution of public spaces in low-income neighborhoods ensures residents have areas for recreation, social interaction, and economic activities, thereby improving overall well-being.
As global conversations intensify around urban resilience and sustainability, the role of culturally-inclusive public spaces becomes evident. Spaces that resonate with local culture, history, and practices tend to be more sustainable, as they garner community respect, ownership, and stewardship.
Incorporating local materials, indigenous planting, and traditional architectural styles not only reduces the environmental footprint but also reinforces community identity. As cities worldwide grapple with challenges like climate change, urban heat islands, and resource scarcity, culturally grounded designs offer solutions that are both ecologically sound and socially meaningful.
