Importance of Informal Spaces in Urban Neighbourhood: A Study in Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, India

Abstract

Abstract: Informal spaces in different development zones in Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad were studied to answer the question of what comprises the necessary factors for the successful use of public space. Cities exist with exceedingly fragmented zones with multiple sections of spaces. There are various categories like open or closed, with one of them being informal type which greatly impacts their social surroundings. Comprehending this will entail reviewing the importance of informal spaces in the urban fabric and how the community is impacted by them. Various design factors will also be taken into consideration on their impact on the proper functioning of an informal space. Using the qualitative analysis in six informal spaces, this article will identify patterns in informal spaces in the three cities through direct observation, participant observation and interviews. The imageability will suggest benefiting the socio-cultural aspect of a community through informal spaces and the design approach adopted to achieve this. Keywords: Informal space; open space; social impact; user approach in urban space; informal green space.