Every public space is unique by itself and functions differently according to its context, giving it a unique identity. We have been thinking about how a space gets its identity. In our research, we had found that the identity for the ashwath katte at Sirsi circle in Bangalore comes from it being located at the “circle” that indica ted the beginning of Mysore road. Public spaces seem to work at the intersection between the built environment and the social life.
In the case of an ashwath katte, its identity can come from the canopy of the Peepul tree and its shade-giving quality, from the religious, social or economic activities that are carried out around it. It can also come from the ritualistic objects at the ashwath katte - the sacred thread or the framed deities at the base of the tree. For instance, at the katte at Bisulu Mariamma temple in Doddamavalli, the identity of the space comes from the serpent stones.
In your neighbourhood community space, what do you think are the elements or activities that determine its identity?
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Identity for my city, which is Ahmedabad would be people's love for food. Places like Manek Chowk in old city of Ahmedabad, is the best example to show how a space transforms from a busy jewellery market to a happening hotspot for foodies at night. If one visits that space in any time of the day, visualising it to be used for another purpose is difficult.