IMPACTS OF PUBLIC REALMS IN CREATING A COMFORTABLE URBAN SPACE FOR EVERYDAY USE: A CASE STUDY OF URBAN PATTERN IN ALMATY

Abstract

Public realms connect different parts of the city for gathering and social events, encourage job opportunities and help for better social life based on collective activities. However, contemporary public realms in cities consist of different public and private spaces used by diverse social groups. Thus, the cross-section of Satbayev, Baitursynov streets and Bukhar Zhyray boulevard in Almaty is selected as a test-bed for the investigation. Currently, the public realm represents fragmented spatial networks divided by highways to separated neighbourhoods. The paper depths into existing urban planning outcomes for potential urban transformations. These findings will be archived through morphological mapping, direct non-participant observation, and public realm photographing. The research confirms the hypothesis that public realms in contemporary urban planning are rather exclusive than inclusive due to lack of equity for daily visits, flexibility of use and urban informality.