Urban Life Essay Example

Urban Life Essay Unpublished Research Report on Urban life and use of Public Space: Study of responsive public open spaces for supporting urban life in Dhaka City by Dr. Farida Nilufar Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, BUET [emailprotected] com Research Funded by: Jahanara Majid and Mahbub Alam Research Grant of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Title of research For Urban Life, specially Dhaka City: Its Past, Present, and Future, September 1999 December 1999 (extn. July 2000) Submitted to The Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, 5 Nimtali, Old Secretariate Road, Dhaka. Submitted on July 2000. Abstract The urban population of Dhaka suffers from lack of proper urban facilities. The Public open spaces are needed for different functional and leisure activities of the urban dwellers. In spite of growing densification, a number of open spaces are scattered in the city. Such areas often found to be misused by anti-social occurrences, thereby resulting into dehumanized areas. Moreover, the existing open spaces are frequently threatened by encroachment. The role of public open spaces, both at community and city level, is important to improve the social ties and social control for future generations. Therefore, it seems that the open spaces need to be more effective for public interaction. Now it is imperative to know what type of spaces still exist and also to study the nature and quality of use of public open spaces by the urbanity at present in order to retain and to generate responsive spaces as needed by the future generation of the urban population of Dhaka. The present investigation has found that the existing stock of open space in not enough to sustain the need of urbanity in Dhaka. The open spaces mostly exist in the form of Urban Parks, Urban Recreational Areas and Urban Development Open Spaces. We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Life specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Life specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Life specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The utilization of the existing large open spaces, i. e. the urban parks, is overwhelming; and their impact on urban life appears to be enormous. These urban parks serve as recreational ground for the middle-income urbanity. The upper income people use those areas for their personal care; and the poor comes to earn by serving others. Besides, the Urban Recreational Areas, like small and medium sized parks and playgrounds, are frequently used by the local children and youth. The Urban Development Open Spaces also generate many activities; thereby they are helping to enhance a better urban living condition. It has been recommended that government and local authorities should urgently recognize the value of these resources. The existing open spaces must be protected by the enforcement of Environmental Laws. In order to make the open spaces responsive to the urban need, such spaces need to be well equipped. Besides, regular maintenance and control of these areas is essential to cease the anti-social occurrences and put them in successful use. 1. Introduction Public Open Space and Urban life One of the major component of urban environment is its open spaces. These open spaces may be either public or private property. Indeed the stock of urban open spaces are conserved and maintained by the government in order to serve the public need. A huge stock of open spaces is needed for urban services or utilities [e. g. water reservoirs, graveyards, garbage disposal grounds etc. ]. In addition, open spaces are also essential for the purpose of different public functions and recreational or leisure activities of the urban dwellers. Besides, for circulation purpose linear open spaces are formed as streets and roads. These three categories of open spaces in urban areas are generally designated accordingly as Utility Open Spaces, Green Open Spaces and Corridor Open Spaces. Among these, the utility open spaces are used by the urban population in a passive way. Whereas only the green open spaces and the corridors are actively used by the public. For that, these two types of open spaces are accessible to general public, thereby, termed as the Public Open Spaces in urban areas. A public open space in a city, in difference to a private space, is a place of mutual involvement beyond the immediate family circle. The scale and type of public open spaces is guided by the socio-cultural and climatic conditions of the city concerned. In Dhaka City, the urban dwellers popularly use both the streets and open spaces for different activities. Thus the linear open space of streets, other than their main objective of circulation, also serve many urban activities in our cultures. On the other hand, open spaces are mainly for the purpose of public assembly, like open market, park, plaza, play field, fair ground etc. However, this present research only focuses on the open spaces of Dhaka City, other than its streets and roads. Such open spaces appear to be either at community level for local people or at the metropolitan level for the total urban population of the city itself. In addition to the intended formal and informal public function, public open spaces have great impact on human interaction and social control by citizens sensory involvement and their participation. 1. 1. Need of Public Open Space for the Urbanity in Dhaka Cities, like Dhaka, in the developing countries are mostly built-up areas due to the pressure of rapid urbanization. Here the roads are crowded with vehicles and air is laden with lead, smoke etc. Within the junk of concrete and polluted environment the green open areas are very essential inside the city for its environmental and ecological balance. Other than this passive need, one of the primary need of open spaces in urban life is for recreational purposes during the leisure time. The importance of recreation in peoples physical, intellectual and emotional development is now undisputed. It has been reported repeatedly that one of the major reason for crime in Dhaka city is the lack of proper and adequate recreational facilities [Siddique, 1991: 315]. Indeed, recreational facilities and open spaces, which are accessible to the general public, provide an integral and necessary part of urban living, particularly in areas of high density. In our cultural and climatic context, we have the tradition to perform many leisure activities in out door spaces in urban life. Such leisure activities are Travel like walking or wandering; Personal Care and Exercise like sports, active play; Sleeping for relaxation; Eating during picnic or dining out; Social and Institutional Activities like meeting, talking, parties etc. ; and Cultural and Communication Activities like hobbies, passive play etc. For passive recreation open spaces like parks and gardens and for active recreation play fields/grounds, stadiums, open-air theater etc. are essential within a city boundary. Moreover, some functional uses like Chawk or open market, congregational fields orEidgah, political meeting places etc. have been traditionally occupying the urban open spaces in our context. In the historical city of Dhaka, commonly called Old Dhaka, large scale public gathering space was limited to a number of chawks, rather the whole city had small scale and intimate public open spaces in the mahallas. Traditionally such informal public open spaces, like street corners, court yards etc. , helped to generate local social activities and ensured social control. Similar informal and intimate open spaces are rare in new Dhaka in spite of its organic morphological character and spontaneous development. Only a few spaces are kept open in planned residential areas which are also being swallowed day by day. The scarcity of required open spaces, both in public and private realm, has restricted and changed our lifestyles to a great extent. The urbanity in Dhaka rarely gets the scope to use the urban open spaces for their recreational need. People at present are more home bound, thereby, has changed into a more individuated, self-centered, and mechanical society in turn [Nilufar, 1997]. However, in spite of growing densification of built-up areas in newer parts of Dhaka, a number of medium and large scale open spaces are scattered in the city. Such areas often found to be misused by anti-social occurrences, thereby resulting into dehumanized areas. It is believed that role of urban public spaces, both at community and metropolitan level, is important to improve the social ties and social control for future generations. The present survey reveals that the precious open spaces of Dhaka are highly used and there also remains a great demand of more open spaces in our urban life. Therefore, it seems that in a dense city like Dhaka the existing open spaces need to be more effective for public interaction; besides, more open spaces need to be created according to public need. Therefore, now it is imperative to know what type of spaces still exist and also to study the nature and quality of use of public open spaces by the urbanity at present in order to retain and/or to generate responsive spaces as needed by the future generation of the urban population of Dhaka. . 2. Objective of the Research This research mainly focuses on two integrated issues Urban life and use of public open space. The main purpose is therefore, to study of the existing open spaces and their use, in order to assess the use of public open spaces by the urbanity in Dhaka. From the present investigation, this report aims to set criter ion for the responsive public open spaces for supporting urban life in Dhaka city. The objectives of the research are, therefore, as follow, i. To locate and identify the pubic open spaces existing in Dhaka city, mostly those are under the government agencies; ii. Study the use of public open spaces at present in order to determine the impact of those spaces on the urban life in Dhaka; iii. To identify the potential pubic open spaces in the city to generate urban activities; and also to formulate some suggestions in order to retain and/or to generate responsive spaces as needed by the future generation of the urban population of Dhaka. 1. 3. Scope of the Research This present issue of Urban life and use of public open space in Dhaka city essentially incorporates different disciplinary actions like that of urban designers, planners, architects, landscape architects, sociologists, anthropologists etc. However, this report mainly confines the research inquiry within the limit of physical investigation of public open spaces and their social use. Considering the resource constrains, this present work mainly focuses on the intermediate and large scale urban spaces in the city context. In doing so, a sample of five open spaces have been selected to investigate their use by the urban dwellers. From the findings of the inquiry, it mainly attempts to outline the present situation of the public open spaces in Dhaka. It also tries to identify potential spaces to be retained and/or generated within Dhaka city which would be responsive to the future need of the urban population. Some suggestions are also incorporated at the end to improve the quality and quantity of open spaces considering the need of urban life. Further research might lead from this primary investigation in order to suggest the criterion to improve the quality of public open spaces to make them responsive and sustainable for the future urban life. 1. 3. Research Methodology In order to attain the mentioned objectives, the research has undertaken a reconnaissance survey; a number of observations; interviews with the concern authorities; and a questionnaire survey on the users. The reconnaissance survey was undertaken in Dhaka city by field visits, and data was collected from concerned authorities for identification of the existing open spaces in public use. The data has been plotted on the GIS records. A number of observations have been undertaken to characterize the existing public open spaces in terms of nature of space use. It tries to identify the factors of the open spaces itself which influences the use, such as attractiveness, size, location, access, facilities, and management of the area; surrounding land use; and climatic condition etc. In each sample area five independent observations have been undertaken, each of which was for ten minutes covering all the whole area during the peak hours of use. During the observations, the number of the static and moving people has been counted. Besides, the nature of activities, the list of supporting services/facilities, their locations and service pattern has been determined. A questionnaire survey has been undertaken to understand who use the spaces, why and how people use them. [see Appendix A] It also tries to assess the efficiency and nature of social use of the urban public places and determines the future projections. The interviews had been taken on spot; and approximately 2%- 5% of population was covered in large areas and 10% in intermediate areas . It has peaked the respondents by random sampling method. It has been identified the factors influencing the use of the public open spaces: socio-economic [demographic] character of the users, their geographic distribution and the density of surrounding tributary areas. The questionnaire mainly focuses on the followings; -purpose of the users to use/pass the spaces; extent/duration and time of use; social class and type of users; users preferences among different options; rate and extent of social crime in public open spaces; need of supporting services/facilities to generate activity. The results of the survey are presented here through simple descriptive analysis and statements are made of broad conclusions. 2. Dhaka City and its Public Open Spaces The British author James Taylor has stated in his Topography of Dacca, after his visit of 1824, that Dhaka looks like the Venice of the orient. The large open spaces with the lushness of nature surrounding the habitation; the water of the Dulai Khal flowing across the town, and the water boundary by the Shitalakhya and the Buriganga all these natural features made the city beautiful. In spite of that the town itself was congested even then with a few green open spaces inside. During the British period, Dhaka experienced a northward expansion while the peripheral green areas were incorporated within the city boundary. A green kernel was kept open at the center of the town. In doing so, in 1825, a green belt was developed by cleaning the water of Ramna Lake and by huge plantation in the surrounding areas. The Ramna Park was established in that area in 1908. A race-course was established in a vast open space near Ramna. This area was turned into the Sohrawardy Uddayan in 1972 with huge plantation. Besides, there was a large lake, called Motijheel, towards the eastern edge of the town. The areas of the then new Dhaka like Paltan, Ramna, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Kakrile, Tejgaon had thousands of trees. Towards west, Azimpur, Fulbaria, Bakshibazar, and the Dhaka University area were also very green and open. Likewise, a number of ponds and Khals were scattered all over Dhaka. During the 70s the greenery of historic Dhaka were mostly cut off and the water bodies were filled up. Except the Ramna Park and the Sohrawardy Uddayan there is no tress of central green refuge at present. These two precious green areas, which are acting as the lunges of the city, are also being swallowed by different constructions and government projects. Alike other world cities, much of the existing open spaces of Dhaka city has been inherited from a by-gone, that is the more leisured age when population pressures were modest and the land costs were a tiny fraction of what they are today. Dhakas central parks [i. e. Ramna Park, Shishu Park Sohrawardy Uddayan], thus, can be compared to the Hyde Park and Regents Park of London, and Central Park of New York. The inter-linked central parks of Dhaka and the nearby Stadium Complex become increasingly precious legacies with each passing year. Sadly, with Dhakas rapidly growing population, unless they can be replicated, their value will be diminished by over-utilization and these valuable assets permanently impoverished [Dhaka Structure Plan, Vol. -I, 1995: 84]. During 60s western planning standards recommend for 10. 5 acres of land per th ousand of population for recreational purposes [Koppelman Chiara, 1969: 203]. Experts suggested that an ideal city needs to keep its 40%- 50% of land open, or free. In developed countries of the Western World, 70% 80% of land remains open. In these days the standard is revised and it is suggested to keep 25% land of an ideal city as open and green. However, the picture is different in case of Dhaka. Here in old Dhaka only 5% and in new Dhaka 12% of land is green and open. [DMDP, 1995] It has been reported recently that the total amount of open space including its roads, footpaths, parks, play fields, tracts, lakes, ponds etc. in Dhaka is about 17 -18% of city area. [Daily Janakantha, March 05, 2000] At present there is a dearth of open space, particularly Parks and Playgrounds, in Dhaka city. Whatever provisions were made in the original plans of the residential areas like Dhanmondi, Banani, Gulshan, were gradually encroached, either by authorities themselves or by owners of adjacent lands. The same has been the fate of some of the lakes and khals of Dhaka. It is well understood that a comparison with other world cities, of different culture and different climates, appears to be a useless exercise. However, at present the local planning experts recommend for at least one acre of parks and open spaces per thousand population for Bangladeshi cities [KDA Structure Plan, Working Paper No. , 1999: 8]. If such a standard is to be applicable in case Dhaka, the city needed a stock of approximately 6 sq. miles [i. e. 3900 acres which is 11% of land area within its total 54. 5 sq. miles area] of area only for recreational purposes. However, Dhaka Structure Plan urges to have 20% of open spaces in Dhaka for its future generation [DMDP, 1995]. The population is increasing everyday, t herefore, the need is also escalating. At present it is imperative to identify the requirement and the potential open spaces for the future generation. 2. 1. Potential Open Spaces in Dhaka City The stock of open spaces in a city is important for the present and future of its urban life. To have a right picture of the present use and also to prepare future proposals it seems essential to have the facts and figures regarding the existing stock of open spaces. However, with multiplicity of controlling agencies, such figures are not readily available for Dhaka. Traditionally, the maintenance and control of open spaces of Dhaka have been shared by the authority of Public Works Department and RAJUK [previous DIT]. Being influenced by a political decision, at present, most of the open spaces and parks in local areas are handed over to the Dhaka City Corporation [DCC] authority as they collect tax from the citizens. The Arbory Culture Department of PWD only takes care of the large green areas of Dhaka. Beside these, other governmental agencies are responsible for their respective open areas like Zoo, Stadiums, Botanical Gardens etc. ; and several open spaces are under the authority of different institutions. As a result, in absence of any central control or legal binding such figures rarely determined and reported for Dhaka City. Although PWD has a list of their open spaces; it has been found that Dhaka City Corporation [DCC] has no complete list of the open spaces under their authority. Besides, the stock of open spaces under other agencies and different institutions still remains uncovered. DMDP Structure Plan claims that at the city or metropolitan scale, Dhaka has a fair representation of recreational open spaces, both for active and passive recreation, though arguably not enough. [Dhaka Structure Plan, Vol. -I, 84: 1995] At present it seems imperative to identify and quantify the available stock of open spaces in Dhaka city. However, such an endeavor needs immense resources. Within the given limitation, this present research tries to identify the potential open under different government agencies like DCC, PWD etc. within the city boundary. Data has been collected from the Zonal offices of DCC . In this way a list of open spaces has been prepared and the areas have been identified in Dhaka city map. [see attached Map] However, the attached list does not include the right-of-way, landing space, road-side island, median, round-about etc. The stock of public open spaces under DCC control is approximately 190 acres and under PWD is 302 acres. This two authority cover 0. 768 sq. miles of area, which is only 1. 4% of Dhakas land. However, many other authorities have vast areas, which also contribute to public use. The following list delineates the information collected as part of this investigation. List of Parks and Open Spaces Under Dhaka City Corporation [DCC] Zone -01 Area 1. Dhupkhola Field 9. 18 acres [includes Childrens Park, Field for East-End Club and Jagannath College] 2. Sharafatganj Park [in Community Center] 0. 46 acres 3. Jatrabari Crossing Park 1. 33 acres [Partly Swallowed for Market construction] 4. Sayedabad Park 0. 7 acres 5. Shwamibagh Park 0. 7 acres 6. Narindah Park 0. 08 acres 7. Play ground near Jurain Graveyard 2. 2 acres 8. Golapbagh Park and Playground 1. 57 acres Tikatuli Park [Fully swallowed by DCC for Community Center] Other Service Lands [DCC] Matuail Garbage Disposal Area 46 acres Crematorium [Burning Place] 1. 65 acres Zone -02 Area 9. Nabajug Sharircharcha Park 0. 06 acres 10. Bahadurshah Park 1. 98 acres 11. English Road Park 0. 33 acres 12. Sirajoddoula Park [near Nawab Yousuf Market] 0. 5 acres [DCC has planned to build Library, Gymnasium, Health Center] 13. Sikkatuli Children’s Park [Nazira Bazar Park] 0. acres 14. Bangladesh Math [Aga Sadek Road] 2. 64 acres Bangshal Crossing Park and Park towards south of Ananda Bazar [This two park could not be recognized by Zonal Office, although exist in an old list of Urban Planning Unit of DCC] Zone -03 Area 15. Gajamahal Chil dren’s Park 0. 86 acres [Near Kasaikhana, Hazaribagh Tannery Area] 16. Hazaribagh Park [Kala Sharder’s Park] 3. 7 acres 17. Nawabganj Park 2 acres [DCC has built here Library Gymnasium ] 18. Rasulbagh Children’s Park 2. 5 acres 19. Bakshi Bazar Children’s Park 0. 43 acres 20. Bashiruddin Park 0. 11 acres 21. Hazi Amil Eidgah Math 3. 67 acres [Azad Office Field-opposite Dhakeshawari Temple] 22. Amligola Bali Math 0. 28 acres 23. Hazi Delwar Hossain Play Field 4. 6 acres 24. Quazi Reazuddin Road Play Field 0. 75 acres 25. Shawshan Ghat Math 0. 1 acres Azimpur Park [swallowed by Wasa Pump Station Library cum Gymnasium] Other Service Lands: [DCC] Azimpur Old Graveyard 45 acres Azimpur New Graveyard 3. 7 acres Zone -04 Area 26. Gulistan Park 10 acres 27. Bangabhaban Triangular Park 0. 18 acres 28. Muktangan Park 0. 51 acres 29. Motijheel Park [near BRTC bldg. , DIT Ave] 0. 38 acres 30. Bashabo Play Field 2. 29 acres 31. Mothertek Play Field 1. 88 acres 32. Play Field near Brothers Union Club 0. 09 acres 33. Play Field of Khilgaon Rehabilitation Zone B 0. 2 acres 34. Park to the East the Biman Office- 35. Motijheel Car Park [Near Uttara Bank Bhaban] Zone -05 Area 36. Shahbagh Children’s Park 37. Osmani Uddayan 10 acres 38. Dhanmondi Road no. 4 Park 0. 8 acres 39. Kalabagan Childrens Park Nursery 4. 2 acres 40. Nayatola Childrens Park/ Moghbazar Park 0. 46 acres [Major area has been swallowed by the construction of Commissioners Office] 41 Dhanmondi Road No 8 Field 4. 3 acres 42. Dhanmondi Lake Side Open Area 15 acres Nimtali Park [Small road side island with play equipment, not shown in Map] Park in front of Veterinary Hospital [Small road side island, not shown in Map] Rayer Bazar Park [This park could not be recognized by Zonal Office, although exist in an old list of Urban Planning Unit of DCC] Zone -06 Area 3. Tajmahal Road Childrens Park [C Block] 0. 46 acres 44. Tajmahal Road Park [Eidgah, Play field, Park]1. 6 acres 45. Chaderhat Play Field, Johuri Mohalla, Mohammadpur 0. 86 acres 46. Bijli Mohalla Jannatbag Park 0. 31 acres 47. Khilji Road Childrens Park [PC Culture, Shamoli] 2. 86 acres 48. Iqbal Road Park 1. 43 acres 49. Kawran Bazar Childrens Park 0. 8 acres 50. Iqbal Road Field[Lalmatia New Colony Childrens Park] 1 acre [Partly swallowed for construction] 51. 9. Panth Kunja Park 0. 6 acres 52. 10. Play Field of PC Culture, Shamoli 2. 1 acres 53. 11. Humayun Road Play Filed 1. 52 acres 54. 12. Lalmatia D Block Play Field 1 acre Shahid Park [Park close to Mohammadpur Community Center, Now completely swallowed for Market construction] Shershah Shuri Lane Park Babar Road Park [This two parks could not be recognized by Zonal Office, although exist in an old list of Urban Planning Unit of DCC] Zone -07 Area 55. Mirpur Intellectual’s Memorial with Park 11. 6 acres 56. Jahurabad Field , Bisil Mouza [west to the Memor ial] 1. 9 acres 57. Shishu Mela Other Service Lands: [DCC] Mirpur Graveyard Kazipara Graveyard Zone -08 Area -All the open spaces are under Housing and Settlement Directorate. List is attached at later in this report. Other Service Lands: [DCC] Graveyard in Section 13 and 11. Zone -09 Area 58. Gulshan Taltala Park 4. 2 acres 59. Gulshan Park at Road no. 90 7. 3 acres [Includes Wonderland Park, Bonkids Nursery and Play Field] 60. Gulshan Ladies Park5. 7 acres 61. Gulshan Tank Park7. 5 acres 62. Park near Banani Road no. 7 0. 75 acres 63. Park near Banani Road no. 18 0. 6 acres 64. Play ground near Banani Road no. 011. 5 acres 65. Play ground near Banani Road no. 271. 3 acres 66. Park near Banani Road no. 13 0. 67 acres 67. Baridhara Park 2. 14 acres Play Ground in Gulshan Road no. 23 [1 acre, has been sold out to private ownership] Three Parks located in the Map on Gulshan lake side [0. 33 acres, 0. 19 acres, 0. 28 acres of land has been swallowed by private plot owners]; and Park near the Bridge, located in the Map on Banani lake side [Low land never developed] Other Service Lands Banani Graveyard Zone -10Area 68. Uttara Sector 3 Park3. 28 acres 69. Uttara Sector 4 Park3. acres 70. Uttara Sector 6 Park [Triangular]3. 9 acres 71. Uttara Sector 6 Park [Sqaurish]5. 75 acres 72. Uttara Sector 07 Park11. 44 acres 73. Uttara Sector 13 Park6. 16 acres Previous Park of Uttara Sector 01 [Swallowed by DCC for Private Plots] and the Park at Uttara Sector 12 [2. 64 acres] as shown in map is not developed. List of Parks and Open Spaces under the Arbory Culture Dept. of Public Works Department [PWD] PWD Area 1. Sohrawardi Uddayan55 acres 2. Ramna Park [including Nursery]58 acres 3. Majar of Three Leaders [beside Sohrawardi Uddayan]3 acres 4. Central Shahid Minar 3. 5 acres 5. North and South Plaza of National Assembly Building 95 acres [including National Graveyard, Officers housing Lake] 6. Chandrima Uddayan 77 acres 7. Anowara Uddayan 8 acres 8. National Eidgah Field 3 acres [Besides, all the State Guest Houses, the Bangabhaban, the Ganobhaban, The Secretariat complex, International Conference Center, and other public building like Osmani Memorial Hall, National Museum etc. have gardens and open spaces in and around their boundary. These areas are not all the time accessible to public. However, beyond the city limit National Memorial Monument of 108 acres in Savar is also maintained by PWD. Public Open Spaces under the different agencies and institutions: These open spaces are accessible to public. Here the Zones of DCC are referred for convenience, although DCC has no control on the areas. Zone -01 Park near China-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, R H Department Baldha Garden, Old Dhaka [Ministry of Environment and Forest] Zone -02 Armanitola Play Fiel d [Owner: Salimullah Medical College] Fore Court of Ahsan Manjil Zone -03 Rahmatganj Play Field Azimpur Colony Play Field College of Leather Technology Play Field Islambagh Eidgah Math Three Star Co-operative Society Field [Amligola] Quazi Reazuddin Road Local Play Field Field adjacent to Iraqi Graveyard Lalbagh Fort Zone -04 South Goran Field near Sultan Bhuayan Jami Mosque [PWD, 1. 31 acres] Bangabandhu Stadium, Gulistan [Ministry of Youth and Sports] Zone -05 Abahani Play Field, Dhanmondi [9. 4 acres] Womens Sports Complex Field [5. 2 acres] Dhanmondi Road No. 6 [old] Eidgah Zone -07 National Parade Square, 120 acres [Air Force and Civil Aviation Department] Zone -08 Housing and Settlement Directorate: [Total Area: 5. 71 acres] Parks in Section 13 Block B [i. 0. 675 acres, ii 0. 225 acres, iii. 0. 195 acres] Park in Section 2 Block H [0. 26 acres] Park in Section 12 Block C, between Lane 9 Lane 17 [0. 55 acres] Park in Section 12 Block D, between Lane 12 33 [1 . 12 acres] Park in Section 12 Block C, between Lane 5 6 [0. 34 acres] Park in Section 1 Block F Road 1 [0. 48 acres] Park in Section 1 Block A Road 9 [0. 23 acres] Park in Section 10 Block C Lane 11 [0. 28 acres] Park in Section 10 Block C Lane 4 [0. 15 acres] Park in Section 10 Block B Lane 17 [0. 15 acres] Park in Section 10 Block B Lane 8 [0. 15 acres] Park in Section 10 Block A Lane 5 [0. 12 acres] Park in Section 10 Block A Lane 10 [0. 16 acres] Park in Section 10 Block A Lane 7 [0. 6 acres] And others are Mirpur Zoo [Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock] National Stadium, Mirpur [Ministry of Youth and Sports] Botanical Garden, Mirpur [Ministry of Environment and Forest] Zone -09 Play Field of Tejgaon Poly-technique Inst. Monumia Play field near BG Press, Tejgaon Banani Amtoli Park in Mohakhali Area Green Areas of R H Department along Airport Road Golf Club, Kurmitola [Ministry of Defense] Army Stadium, Kurmitola [Ministry of Defense] Besides, a number of O pen Spaces are maintained under different institutions and authorities in Dhaka where use is reserved. Such areas are as follows, BDR Play area and Open space Central Jail [Open space and Parade Ground] Field of Rajarbagh Police Line [State Ministry] Gulshan Shooting Range The Cantonment Board maintains a number of open spaces inside their area. There exist large play grounds with different Schools, Colleges and Universities, such as Fields of different Government Schools like, Azimpur School, Govt. Laboratory School, Dhanmondi Govt. Schools, Banani Biddaya Niketan, Khilgaon Girls High School, Ideal School College, Fakirapul TNT School, and Fields of different colleges like Eden College, Dhaka College, Titumir College, Notredame College etc. Play Fields of Dhaka University [Two nos. ], BUET Play Field. There are also many fields inside different Government Quarters like: Baily Road Colony, Azimpur Colony, Sukrabad Colony etc. 2. 2. Typology of Public Open Spaces in Dhaka City All open spaces are classified for planning purposes according to the nature of the land and the type of open space use. According to western standards, all the open spaces in urban areas falls under four types : i. Utility Open Spaces, ii. Green Open Spaces; iii. Corridor Open Spaces and iv. Multi-use Classification etc. Each of these major types has a number of categories according to functional land use. [Koppelman Chiara, 1975: 42] Among these, the type of Public Open Spaces, which are the concern of this present research, fall under the category of Green Open Spaces. This category of green open spaces is based on open spaces where the natural site or condition lends itself most advantageously to use for recreation, parks, building sites, non-extractive uses, and to shape urban development. The use may be limited or intensive, active or passive, large or small. According to Koppelman Chiara [1975], this type comprises of the following categories of open spaces. However, first two categories of green open spaces can not be located inside cities because they need large scale spaces. Last four categories are essentially located within the cities. Another open space hierarchy was suggested by Greater London Council, GLC [Roberts, 1974: 340]. All the four types of GLC standards fall under the category of Urban Recreational Areas of the former group. The GLC standards are as follows; Urban Recreational Open Spaces None of the western standards are comparable to the case of Dhaka. However, considering the nature of the land and the type of open space use, all the public open spaces within Dhaka City can be ordered under the following four categories. Urban Parks: