To continue the mid-semester project, I tried to develop more on the topic of public spaces and community. As my mid-semester project showed and mentioned, I discovered that various users typically had distinct time frames. However, disagreements concerning the use of public areas still occur occasionally. Our goal is to draw attention to the issue that the locals are facing and encourage more people to take notice of it.
I travelled to other locations in addition to gathering materials in my housing estate to conduct a more thorough investigation of public space utilisation. I went to a few public areas in private housing complexes. During my material collection, I discovered that there did not appear to be many differences in the way that people used public spaces in non-public housing complexes. I used Zoom F8n Multi-track Recorder and Rode NT-SF1 True Condenser Ambisonic Microphone to do the recording.
Also, I noticed an intriguing behaviour while I was recording. Within a specific range, users will perform their own actions both automatically and deliberately. For instance, in the morning, four user groups utilize the same court simultaneously while engaging in distinct sports or activities. You can see people doing their own activities separately from the photo.
In addition, I also conducted data research when exploring this topic. According to the Government of HKSAR (2018), Regarding the MDW gathering, the department of leisure and cultural services received 40 complaints and issued 6340 verbal warnings for issues such as “Obstruction of public places,” “Unlicensed hawking,” “Noise nuisance,” “Obstruction to scavenging operations,” and “Sleeping and playing music on the lawn”.
The coexistence of many users in public areas might cause dispute resolution, however it also offers chances for intercultural communication, awareness, and comprehension. Lloyd and Auld (2003) maintain that public recreation areas offer the “potential to facilitate, among other things, opportunities for social interaction and
shared cultural values and meanings,”. In my opinion, as the picture shows, I believe that public space users will accommodate each other when using the space. But their use of non-traditional spaces, such as pedestrian bridges and sidewalks, draws attention to the role of urban open spaces as equal places for different groups to interact. These spaces, when used or occupied, will cause inconvenience or distress to the general public. To make inferences and suggestions, pertinent issues still need more investigation and information.
To conclude, my project investigates challenges around access to public space with a primary focus on playground or open spaces. I wish I can bring more attention to the issues of public spaces and draw attention to listening to the sound of our community.
Reference
Government of HKSAR (2018) LCQ3: Foreign domestic helpers congregating in public places during holidays https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/23/P2018052300422.htm
K.M. Lloyd, C.J. Auld (2003) Leisure, public space and quality of life in the urban environment, Urban Policy and Research, 21 4), pp. 339-356 https://doi.org/10.1080/0811114032000147395