Transforming Public Spaces in Asia

The text-book definition of a public space requires that three criteria are met. Firstly, a public space is of a physical nature, with a tangible existence. It may not exist in the virtual realm. Secondly, that space must be an accessible space for all urbanites regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level with free circulation of persons and goods. It may have been appropriated by a group or several groups of users or the general public, and affects their daily life. And, lastly, a public space is one that forms part of the public realm and it is owned and maintained by the public or the government.

This last criterion is a bit blurry when one looks at public spaces in many cities in Asia. Very often, a space may function as a public space but belongs to private developers who police and maintain it. This widening of the definition suddenly opens up the way to a variety of contenders to the title of ‘public space’; from the classical plazas, squares, parks and sidewalks to redefined shopping malls, and transportation hubs.

For increased business, these commercial developments need to appear more accessible and the strategy is to integrate or recreate the spatial characteristics of public spaces with additional functions. New malls types are re-branding themselves as pedestrian malls  and are doing away with the walls and roofs, preferring street typologies, open-air plazas, outdoor amphitheaters, public roof gardens and even integrated water canals à la Venise. While, these new spaces may appear public, they are definitely not.

Modern Malls in Asia

Tokyo is home to some of the best examples of the success of these spaces/developments. Roppongi Hills, Omotesando Hills and Tokyo Midtown redefine the concept of mall while major transport hubs such as Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations provide an integrated urban structure. As an example is Tokyo Midtown:

Tokyo Midtown induces an air of relaxed atmosphere. The warm tones of wood and the abstracted Japanese motifs in the artificial bamboo trees, sand like floor surface, wooden furnishings contribute to this feeling. Generous designer seating niches and facilities are provided. People may lie down, occupy the space and sit as long as they like without being policed.

The programming corresponds to current events, its interior is ever-changing and the configuration of the spaces in the malls reflects that. Modular walls can be easily moved around to make space for thematic installation pieces, art performances or festival related events. The whole complex sits in an open park with lush Japanese style landscaping where people can stroll, walk their pets and jog.

No wonder malls and transportation hubs in Asian cities seem to be much more popular than parks or squares. Fact is, in Asia, we do not particularly have a park culture, courtesy of the hot and humid climate in some regions or the inherent need for a diversity of activities to partake in…?

We prefer to pop in malls to enjoy the air conditioning.  Malls or transport hubs over the years have successfully managed to replicate some of the offerings of classical public spaces: They are accessible, and provide opportunities to hang out, eat and socialize with friends, but above all, they offer a gazillion choices of activities to the user; all wrapped within the shopping experience.

These are changing trends in public spaces and changing patterns in how they are consumed and used. They are the new urban spaces. More complex and layered than classical public spaces, due to their association with the programme of a private development, they aim to create a synergy among urban functions. They generally operate as several layers of functions that are overlapped. These layers are represented both in their physical space and use. This functional diversity emerges as the true face of Asia.