USE AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

Public open space is open area that is freely accessible to everyone without any limitation for social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political uses. They are crucial to urban planning and to fostering social contact, which in turn promotes the development of a sense of community. To achieve the research's purpose, public open space encompasses parks and open spaces where public access is unrestricted at least during daylight hours and public do not need to pay. It does not include streets, squares, traditional open spaces, civic spaces and private/ institution owned open spaces. One of the rapidly urbanising and highly populated city, Kathmandu valley has open spaces which are decreasing due to encroachment, development of infrastructures and lack of proper management. This research implements a case study approach to explore the management of public open spaces and its challenges focusing on three POSs of different hierarchy, scale, location, similar function and responsible management agencies namely UN Park, Shankha Park and Suryamukhi Garden. These public open spaces are public parks, offer free access to users and are located in the Kathmandu Valley. The study considered users’ opinion for assessing the use and management of POSs. To evaluate the usage of open spaces, six aspects are considered: Access and linkages, Comfort and Image, Inclusiveness, Engagement, Use and activities and Management. Also the theories and concepts of management and various models have been discussed and related to the study areas. A mixed methods approach was considered for data collection, including questionnaire survey, interviews, observation,