“What defines the character of a city is its public space, not its private space.” — Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director, UN Habitat
In Kuwait, it is an unfortunate reality that public spaces suffer from neglect. Along this line, a wide gap exists between the level of care between public and private spaces.
Kuwait is rich, spending generously on public buildings and infrastructure. Furthermore, Kuwait’s people are highly-cultured and properly maintain their homes and private properties. These residents also possess elevated tastes and can distinguish between what is aesthetically pleasing and what falls short. This is present in the way residents display personal presentation and private image.
On the other hand, neglect for spaces that fall outside the realm of personal properties is evident. People tend to neglect, sabotage, and even infringe on public spaces. Due to the consequences of this phenomenon, it deserves investigation and deep analysis.
Public spaces consist of all open spaces to the general public in a given city — such as roads, sidewalks, plazas, squares, beached and others.
Public spaces have significant roles in the economic value of surrounding properties. These areas also play a social role, providing opportunities for meetings, gatherings, and entertainment. In addition, public spaces have environmental and health values, as they offer spaces for sports, vegetation that beautifies the city, lower temperatures, and enhances air quality.
How to improve the level of care for our public spaces:
Awareness of the concept of public ownership
Awareness of the concept of public ownership will generate a profound impact on how residents and communities interact with their public spaces. Higher opinion about the performance of the government and the integrity of official practices strengthens awareness about public ownership.
Laws and regulations
Our laws and regulations that govern public places are insufficient. They are not enough to force public institutions to properly care for public spaces. In both past and present, these institutions are shown to be inadequate in the prevention of vandalism and violations directed toward public spaces.
Vision and standards:
Currently, public places are neglected in Kuwait. The state lacks a vision that reflects the same passion and consideration that residents display regarding private spaces. Kuwait does not have adequate codes and standards that govern the design, execution as well as the maintenance of public places. This has a direct impact on the low quality of our public realm.
Public participation
The involvement of the private sector and the general public in the planning, design, and execution of public places within the city enhances the quality of public spaces. Once we encourage public participation in the decision making process, we will develop a feeling of shared ownership. And every citizen and institution will, in turn, take proper care of it.
Supervise and interaction
Many good public realm projects are executed in Kuwait — however soon after — they are let for decay and vandalism. Active supervision perpetuates interaction, and media coverage for public places projects will have a positive impact on the preservation and proper maintenance.
When celebrating our national days, we need to take this opportunity to call for the public to care for public spaces and properties. Moreover, paying more attention to all things that improve the quality of our cities and neighborhoods fortifies the public’s connection to these spaces and inspires further involvement. To close the gap between our concern for public and private spaces; we must understand and correct the divide resulting from a lack of interest and awareness.