STUDY OF THE PHYSICAL AND NON-PHYSICAL CHARACTERS OF PUBLIC SPACES IN MATSUM CITY, MEDAN

Abstract

The success of a public space is closely related to its physical and non-physical characteristics. In urban villages, public space is essential for the environmental elements. Therefore, this research aims to examine and explore the physical and non-physical characteristics of public spaces in an urban village (case study: Kota Matsum Medan). The research method is a mixed manner, namely qualitative and quantitative. Researchers collected and analyzed primary data through observation, in-depth interviews with ten key informants, and distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents. All data are collected and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively and then presented descriptively. The research results show that the physical (type of space, accessibility, and comfort of space) and non-physical (community activity and sociability) characteristics of public spaces in Matsum City, Medan, are similar to public spaces in other urban villages. In this urban village, alleys not only function as circulation/accessibility routes but also as community gathering spaces. Even though the public spaces are not physically comfortable, the community's high social ties and economic considerations encourage the formation of a comfortable feeling for gathering and socializing. The results can be used as consideration for city planners to accommodate settlements that grow unplanned in the future.