Developing The Public Spaces Alternative in Palu City

Abstract

A public space is an area that accommodates all the activities of city residents, both individually and in groups, and should be utilised optimally as a responsive, democratic, and meaningful space. Limited public space can pose a problem; thus, it is necessary to develop new public spaces to accommodate all community activities and needs. This research aims to analyse the forms of public space development for medium cities in Indonesia, with Palu City as the case study. The study employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) methods to determine urban public spaces’ form and development using existing criteria and alternative potential spaces. The AHP method in this research is designed to calculate the criteria weights. Meanwhile, after the criteria weights were obtained, the COPRAS method was utilised to determine the best alternative from several existing alternatives. The study results indicated that the post-liquefaction area (memorial park) in the Balaroa sub-district can serve as a potential alternative for developing the public space. The development of public space in Palu city in selected locations based on AHP-COPRAS analysis was directed by a green design approach and local wisdom (genius loci). The expected impact of this design approach is to produce a better living environment that can support ecological and socio-cultural and provide economic benefits (welfare) for the surrounding community.