Vitality of Public Open Space (Case Study: Taman Nostalgia Kupang)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to determine the condition of Taman Nostalgia in terms of vitality (the quality of function, physic (environment), and meaning). The study implements descriptive approach, by which the study presents and describes the condition of Taman Nostalgia based on the phenomenon found in the field. The data are collected through documentation, observation, and interviews and are analyzed using descriptive approach and Project for Public Space. The results showed that the condition of Taman Nostalgia in terms of vitality has decreased due to several causes, such as the direct connection between relaxing area and garden area, the location and capacity of the plaza which is limited and not functional, direct connection between playground and plant area, the absence of space marker and the division of sub space in the parking area, the placement of jogging track separated and not connected to the centre of park activity, unattractive culinary area and its forming activities, limited space of sports centre, and unavailability of supporting facilities. Likewise, seen from the aspects of forming quality of the area, the park showed the absence of management concerning the aspect of needs (comfort, relaxation, passive/active engagement, and discovery), user rights (access and ease of achievement, freedom of action, claim, and change), and meaning (legibility, relevance between cultural norms and the user, individual connection, group connection, connection to larger society, biological connection, and connection to other world).

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2017.v8n4s1p125