Principle factors which affect to the proper functioning of urban public gathering spaces with special reference to recreational parks in Colombo city

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and change of lifestyles require more public open spaces in cities to fulfill different socio, economic and environmental needs of the city. The urban park is a breathing space in a highly dense urban fabric for the public to recreational activities as well as physical health activities. The successful functionality of recreational parks in urban context will be determined by citizens’ acceptance. A Sociologist and urbanist, William H. Whyte is the mentor who did long time research on public gathering spaces. Based on the research, he identified a set of principal factors behind the successful functionality and social acceptance of public gathering spaces. This paper will be discussed the applicability of Whyte’s Principles in Sri Lankan urban context. For this research, theoretical knowledge of urban public spaces, recreational parks, principle factors of Whyte’s theory will be discussed through a comprehensive literature survey. Basically, the data collection was done by selfobservation, photography survey and a semi structured questionnaire. Semi structured questioner was helped to have more requests and ideas from the visitors. Finally, the data will be presented through photographs, graphs and charts to have better clarification about the collected data. In the conclusion, effect of Whyte’s theory on the function of these parks and the things which have to be improved will be discussed.