SIDEWALKS AS CORE PUBLIC SPACE IN ASIA: UNDERSTANDING THE OPERATION OF SIDEWALKS IN LITTLE INDIA

Abstract

Our understanding of urban historical traditions in the curriculum of architecture has long remained as a shared mandate, and a largely western-centric one at that. The most common references to public space in urban histories often take precedence from western-based examples focused on form, style and typology as its defining characteristics. (Chee, 2012) However, with the prolific expansion of many Asian cities, it becomes necessary to review the antiquated notions of public space we have that are rarely predicated on our understanding of local culture, ground conditions and impetus. The ‘implantation’ of western practices and typologies of public spaces in the Asian context has landed many post-colonial states in a relentless struggle to reconcile desires of perpetuating large-scale western modernist redevelopments with the need to assert and defend their own cultural specificity at the same time (Lim, 2008). This conflict of interests reflects the differences in expectations of the ‘ideal’ public space between western and oriental ethos, and frames the issue of adopting culturally-biased ideals and planning approaches that are divorced from existing urban texture and complexities. In order to validate an Asian public space ‘typology’, this paper seeks to draw upon the informalities observed in the sidewalks and five-foot ways of shop houses in Singapore’s Little India District, as a means to illustrate the point that public spaces in Asia should be understood as a product of an on-going morphogenesis rather than a fixed state (Lofland, 1988). Empirical results show that the chaotic sidewalks of Little India can indeed be rationalized based on universal principles of visibility, connectivity, and accessibility – but only if we dislodge ourselves from western outlook and standards. Rather than a reckless imposition of large plazas and huge parks, this paper seeks to offer a new paradigm for the understanding of Asian public spaces that is based on an appreciation of its native character and cultures.