Reshaping community life in Garha, Jabalpur through public space network

Abstract

Public spaces have historically played a crucial role in shaping 32 community life, particularly in urban areas rich in history and nature. In older settlements like Garha, located in the historic core of Jabalpur, these spaces are essential to daily life. Garha’s landscape—characterized by its undulating terrain, mature trees, ancient temples, sacred water bodies, and traditional market streets—creates a multi-layered urban fabric. Chowks, temple courtyards, narrow paths, lakesides, and open grounds serve not only as physical spaces but also as venues for interaction, rituals, commerce, and celebration. Despite Garha's cultural and ecological richness, the area is facing neglect due to urban expansion, lack of improvements, and changing social behaviours. Once vibrant spaces are now underused, degraded, or inaccessible. Informal vendors, reduced pedestrian areas, neglected lake edges, and insufficient resting spots hinder public engagement, weakening social ties and a sense of belonging. This study aims to enhance community life in Garha by improving the condition, usability, and experience of public spaces. It focuses on everyday interactions—such as market walks, shaded resting, courtyard gatherings, and lakeside sitting—that shape identity and relationships. Strengthening these spaces is vital for supporting public life with dignity, comfort, and joy. Key elements—chowks, lake edges, temple fronts, and open grounds—are analysed regarding their usage, accessibility, cultural value, and ecological roles. The study identifies opportunities for physical upgrades and community involvement to create inclusive and active environments. Proposed improvements include better walkways, shaded seating, support for informal use, and the preservation of green spaces and water features. Sacred and historic sites should be enhanced as places of memory and identity. Grounded in the principles of everyday urbanism, this work values lived experiences over largescale or purely aesthetic changes. It views public life as a shared, evolving process shaped by routine, tradition, and nature. Through the enhancement of public spaces, the study explores ways to strengthen community life in Garha, improving comfort, encourage social exchange, and sustaining cultural continuity for all ages and communities. Keywords: Community Life, Public Spaces, Cultural Identity, Urban Livability, Everyday Urbanism