ASSESSING THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TRADITIONAL URBAN PUBLIC SPACES IN CULTURAL LANDSCAPES OF KERALA

Abstract

Traditional urban public places have enormous historical, urban, architectural, economic, and social value. These places have grown continuously and naturally, making them some of the most significant components of a historic urban landscape. These areas ensure increased cultural public participation within the city and offer it a unique identity. However, because of the recent, quick changes, many of them have lost their cultural significance. The provision of or maintenance of high-quality urban spaces within the city helps ensure that a livable and sustainable city offers its inhabitants a range of activities that can promote social, cultural, and economic advancements. Cities' TUPS, as well as their economic and social functions, should be conserved at all costs, regardless of the effort required. This study tries to show how crucial it is to conserve traditional urban public spaces because of their historical and cultural significance. The expression of the cultural and historical qualities of these places, as well as the clarity of thought and form of the urban fabric, and their implications for the social, cultural, and economic composition of communities, are all facilitated by these traditional urban public places. Additionally, their structure shows the integration of the community's religious, political, economic, and social affiliations. Therefore, the conservation of these urban spaces should emphasize upholding moral principles, protecting historical artifacts, and maintaining their integrity and utility., not only to their users but to all communities. This study establishes TUPS as the core nucleus for the city specifically when conservation has been planned within a cultural landscape framework. This opens up the possibility of new ways of imagining urban public space and people-place relationships. Here, The urban landscape and its elements like TUPS are no longer seen as two distinct systems, but rather as one. This study proposed a development model for assessing the cultural significance of TUPS based on cognitive, conative, affective, and experiential aspects which can be used in similar contexts anywhere. This model will help the decision makers to determine which indicator of each aspect needs more attention and also what area is not culturally significant. So this will further assist them to decide upon the extent of new developments in cultural landscapes. This will also be used for the organization and structuring of various elements of TUPS based on an understanding of the cultural values and their significance.