The concept of public spaces has become a very important subject in many cities across the world, including Africa. It is now understood to have a potential to become a key generator of socio-economic growth in African cities. The Mayor of the City of Blantyre, Honourable Councillor Noel Chalamanda, highlighted the fact that public spaces are often overlooked yet the character and image of the city is defined by these spaces. In 2015, the United Nations approved the sustainable development goals, putting the cities in the heart of sustainable development in an urbanized world (SDG 11). Moreover, the SDG’s target 11.7 focuses explicitly on public space. UCLG – United Cities and Local Governments has been instrumental in the approval of this goal.
Fabian Llisterri from UIA – International Union of Architects stated that public spaces should be centred on people and people should be centred on public spaces. It was acknowledged that there are a number of definitions and explanations of public spaces and this depended largely on the context. Public spaces, therefore, are a complex reality, particularly in the African city. Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech is a good example of a public space that is extremely complex to understand yet it is very successful. On the other side, markets are frequently becoming a mix of public service and small business.
Education also has a great deal to do with the public spaces because it is where children converge, play and ultimately grow. Public spaces should be seen as a combination of the function of the city and its people as well as a scenario that helps bring happiness and prosperity at the same time.
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