Abstract:
Open green spaces in the city act like its lungs besides being used as active
recreational and leisure areas for its citizens. A healthy city needs a right balance and
proportion of open and built-up spaces. Also adequate and planned open spaces
contribute to physical and mental well being as well as increases community
interaction among residents.
It is not very long ago; Dhaka possessed an image as a city of greenery and water
bodies. Within last few decades this image has changed. Children do not find any safe
park or playground in close proximity from their residence. The unplanned
development and increasing population would result in a city where the young have
no playground to play, mother and the old have no place to enjoy their leisure time. In
this situation open spaces in the form of parks, playfields and playgrounds are very
essential inside the locality to maintain its environmental and ecological balance of
the whole city. Open space planning has a huge impact on local microclimate
affecting the comfort, quality and usability of spaces in a community. Open space in
Dhaka, is taken up as a case study where majority of government housing are
developed.
Authorities are more concerned about large-scale public space whereas open spaces at
residential neighbourhoods are being overlooked. The planning policies and building
regulations seem to be handicapped in retaining open spaces at residential level. As a
result most of the open spaces are being encroached by different constructions and
government projects.
