Figure 51: Population density

• Public space improves public health

• Public Space Enhances Safety

Assessment of Public Open Spaces:

Various organizations and urban bodies have issued specific guidelines for efficient and careful analysis of public open spaces for the development of our community. The different guidelines provide a set of specific standards that enables one to understand and rate these open spaces on the basis of the available facilities and requirements.

From The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Space Shapers Guide to the UNO-Habitat, specific guidelines on the assessment of open public spaces have been issued. The four defining features in the assessment of public open spaces are:

• Access and linkage

• Comfort and image

• Uses and activities

• Sociability

Figure 51: Attributes of Public Open spaces; Source: pps.org

Role of community center

Community Centres have played a significant role in the life of many local communities and networks, as they are not only limited to recreational activities but act as magnets attracting citizens from different sections of society. Community centers are incredibly important for a healthy, vibrant community. A community center’s main purpose should be to provide opportunities for active living and recreation in a safe, inclusive environment. By creating a positive atmosphere, these facilities become essential to personal health and wellness, thereby reducing reliance on healthcare and other costly social services. This in turn boosts the local economy and can also help contribute to overall economic development.

Case of East Delhi

In terms of the happiness index, the capital city of the country stands at the 23rd position, and further, the eastern wards of the city have a very high population density and as per the requirement satisfied in the development plan of Delhi, on a population of 1 lakh, one community center should be provided.

However, with a population of 1,709,346, east Delhi has just 13 community centers on a requirement of 17 centers. Further, as per the population estimation by 2041, a total of 28 centers are needed. Hence there is a lack of community centers in the eastern ward. Thus in order to develop and prioritize the maintenance of these centers, it is necessary to first understand the current situation of these centers. Further, in public open spaces, keeping in mind the benefits they pose, it is essential to study the character of open spaces provided within the community centers in order to better develop the public realm of the area. Thus a clear assessment of the public open spaces should be done to define a new prevailing character to these spaces and thereby contribute to the development of the community centers in East Delhi. Preet vihar community center of the Eastern ward has been picked up as the prime study area as it is one of the largest community centers in the ward and has been observed to have a very low frequency of visitors accessing its public open spaces.

Figure 52: Population density; Source: Springer international journal 2019

6.2 Inferences from the case studies

Following are the inferences drawn from the case studies:

1. Lack of Guidelines and policies

The open spaces of the Preet vihar community center, lack and do not have access to any basic public open space amenities, further, maintenance of these open spaces also poses another critical issue. If however certain set of guidelines were prepared for the development and maintenance of these open spaces, then the regulation of these spaces would’ve been easier. Similarly, maintenance issues were reflected in other community centers as well, however, in comparison, the situation was far better but the lack of any defined guidelines affects the way these open spaces are developed and maintained in the country.

2. Open spaces as multi-use destinations

Public open spaces of Saket and New friends colony community center were being actively used by the visitors for the most part of the day as several activities were clubbed with these spaces in order to enhance the user experience. The open spaces had several points fixed for some retail outlets, different kiosk spaces, and a food court along with shaded seating areas was provided near and around the open spaces. however, in the case of Preet vihar, barely any visitors were found using the open spaces provided. Although seating areas were provided but without any other activities to support these places, the visitors were not attracted to them.

Thus while the open spaces of Saket and NFC community centers were being used as major public squares, open spaces at Preet vihar were barely being used because of a lack of activities.

3. Provision of markets

Markets not only attract users but also helps in building the public realm of any area. While certain patches of open spaces at Saket and NFC community center were being used as market spaces, the open spaces of Preet vihar center remained vacant and dead for the most part of the day. At Saket and NFC spaces for several stalls and shops were provided near and around the open spaces that were clubbed with open seating areas for an enhanced experience. However, in the case of Preet vihar, there were barely any stalls or shops spaces defined near or around the open spaces and thus those spaces remained unused and underutilized.

4. Walkability and the pedestrian realm

Walkability as an aspect always affects the usefulness of any space. In the case of Preet vihar, where no importance has been given to the segregation of vehicular and pedestrian movement. The visitors felt that pedestrian movement was hindered and that pedestrian safety was a matter of concern in the area. Contrary to the same, in the case of the other two centers, where segregation was done visitors were satisfied with the pedestrian movement and had no issue with the pedestrian safety. Further at Preet vihar, the pedestrian