Cite this article
Hasan, M.T., Chadni, T.S. (2025) ‘Evaluating the activities of urban blues and their correlation with spatial structure’, Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU, 30(3), pp. 31-42. https://www.doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2025-0016
SUMMARY
Water has played a crucial role in the development of human settlements across different historical periods. The patterns of water consumption have significantly influenced human behaviour, especially in terms of social and cultural perspectives. The arrangement of urban areas was significantly influenced by the existence and administration of water systems. The concept of “Urban Blue” encompasses a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, pools, ponds, and similar water bodies. Ponds generally range in size from 1 square metre to more than 5 hectares, whereas a Dighi (a large pond) is defined as a water reservoir that exceeds 750 square metres. These can be either man-made or naturally occurring shallow water bodies that serve as reservoirs for water, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. Domestic ponds represent a prevalent form of freshwater habitat across South Asian nations, particularly in Bangladesh. Historically, these ponds were established to supply homestead soil during the monsoon season or formed organically near residences, creating small-scale freshwater ecosystems. Ponds function as a shared environment where people participate in water-related activities, encompassing household chores, celebrations, and spiritual rituals. Moreover, evaluating the urban blue landscape is crucial due to its significant contributions to the urban ecology. Ponds facilitate a wide array of social, cultural, and recreational activities. Additionally, ponds offer various intangible benefits for society, such as tranquilly, spirituality, a sense of comfort, a feeling of ownership, and further climatic advantages. In recent years, studies have increasingly adopted mixed methods to explore how people interact with urban blue infrastructure. Many researchers utilised observational techniques and geospatial data to analyse blue-green spaces and employed spatial mapping and user interviews to correlate blue infrastructure with social activity.
Currently, unlawful encroachments pose a significant risk to water bodies, driven by escalating urbanisation and the limited availability of land for human settlement. Over the last twenty years, urban expansion has increasingly impacted the pond located in Sylhet City, a significant divisional city in Bangladesh. Sylhet is undergoing significant growth and urbanisation. The 2001 population census reveals that Sylhet City ranks as the sixth most urbanised city in Bangladesh. A growing population indicates a greater need for water, placing considerable pressure on water resources. The notable Dighis of the city include Chara Dighi, Ramer Dighi, Lala Dighi, Sagar Dighi, Majumdar Dighi, and Dhopa Dighi. All bodies of water, except for Lala Dighi, have either been filled in or have disappeared entirely due to a range of factors. Insufficient water management policies, inferior development practices, and restricted public awareness have led to unregulated growth, negatively impacting water-related activities adjacent to the ponds. Research on blue landscape mostly examines biological and environmental aspects. However, there is a notable lack of research on how physical development affects water activities in cities. The aim of the research is to explore the various social, recreational, environmental, and cultural activities associated with water. Secondly, an investigation into the possible impact of the city’s physical characteristics on water-related activities will be conducted.
The investigation examined nine distinct ponds located throughout the urban area to collect data. The study documented the activity rates, frequency, and spatial organisation of the pond side area. To gather data, field surveys and observations were employed, followed by statistical analysis. Several water-based activities are counted from observation survey and documentation analysis. On the other hand, mapping analysis and physical survey is conducted to spatial structure data around urban pond.
This study holds significance as it explores the essential characteristics of urban blue spaces, including ponds and Dighis, and examines their relationship with the surrounding environment. The examination uncovered significant differences in the occurrence and spread of activity between urbanised and less urbanised regions. The layout significantly influences the variety of available activities. The increased frontage and improved access to these areas have led to greater engagement among water users, indicating that community activities require local space and can be optimised through the effective utilisation of urban blue spaces. Nonetheless, the expansion of land use and the erection of larger structures have negatively affected the connections between ponds and nearby communities, due to the considerable yet often overlooked pressure exerted by urban development. For future research, this study will help to develop 1) a comprehensive analysis of the sociocultural factors affecting the acceptability of urban ponds and 2) an assessment of the potential risks for residents posed by various species in these ponds in a tropical climate, including safety concerns for children. The study advocates for enhanced measures to protect these aquatic ecosystems and the incorporation of effective planning strategies.