Study of open spaces in government housing in Dhaka city

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.