Dynamic spaces with subjective depth. The public space in monsoon Asia

Abstract

The largest human agglomerations in the world, headed by Tokyo, are found in Asia, especially in monsoon climate zones. If we start from the premise that they are ‘cities’, there must be something that makes them work as cities. In the present paper this ‘something’ is defined as ‘public space’; taking Tokyo and Edo as an example, we explore this public space and how it differs from that of Europe’s squares and streets.

The paper first analyzes the network of narrow alleys. The concept of oku is introduced to show how public space of subjective depth materializes in this web of narrow passageways.

Second, the question of public space corresponding to the scale of Asian megacities is explored. Hiroba, the Japanese term for square, can be understood as a dynamic process rather than a static, physical place. The hiroba emerges by hiroba-ing through spontaneous citizen action. Seasonal festivals amplify the effect of hiroba-ing and have a magic that temporarily transforms spaces into huge meeting places accessible to all.

The public space in monsoon Asia is a subjective space with a dynamic dimension toward oku that implies awe of nature.