Public Space Procurement Innovation as a Form of Design Investigation

Talking about Public Space in Jakarta, we are faced with an unpleasant reality. Green Open Space (RTH), which is part of Public Space by definition, is still far from the expected amount.

We are supposed to have 30% green space of the total land in Jakarta. Instead, it has grown by less than 1%, in a span of 17 years. In 2000, we had reached 9%. While in 2017, we only reached 9.98%.

So, what do we do? Through this article, I personally propose a solution that is in line with the spirit of civic society. We, as part of the community, must try to find solutions independently, including this RTH problem.

Independent green spaces are green spaces that are formed by using land given by certain communities. The giver will participate in managing its existence by filling useful activities for the public on it.

However, before going further into the discussion on self-provisioning of green spaces, it is better to understand the definitions of the components of public spaces in general first. Understanding the definition is important in order to base innovation on projects with RTH. Take for example if a design puts a green space on the 5th floor. So, can it be said to be a green space? If not, then what exactly is the essence and definition of RTH?

Public Space

According to Rustam Hakim, a landscape architecture specialist, in 1987, Public Space can be defined as a space that serves to accommodate community activities. These activities can be individual or communal. This definition is independent of the form of space itself.

Open Space

Rustam also defines Open Space as a place to accommodate human activities, either individually or in groups.

According to Roger Trancik, Open Space is a space consisting ofhardscape formed by architectural walls used for social activities, andsoftscape formed by nature, such as gardens, greenways, and parks.

The two paragraphs above discuss the definition of Open Space from a theoretical perspective. What about the definition from the perspective of Indonesian regulations?

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works: 05/PRT/M/2008, the definition of Open Spaces are spaces in the city or wider area both in the form of areas/areas and in the form of elongated areas/routes where the use is more open in nature which is basically without buildings.

Green Open Space

According to Law No. 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning, green spaces are places where plants grow, whether intentionally or not, in elongated or grouped areas. Green Open Space can be divided into 2 categories: Public Green Space and Private Green Space.

Public RTH is RTH whose procurement and maintenance responsibilities are in the hands of the City/Regency Government, which is used for the benefit of the general public. The requirement is 20%.

Meanwhile, Private Green Open Space is Green Open Space where the responsibility for its acquisition and maintenance is in the hands of individuals or the private sector, and its allocation is regulated by the Regional Government. The requirement is 10%.

Diagram of Relationship between Key Terms

If we refer to the diagram below, we can understand the types of Public Space (Open Space) based on theoretical and regulatory reviews. From the theoretical and regulatory studies, Public Space can be equated with Open Space, where the meaning of the word open is more about the ability of the space to be accessed by the public, and not the character of the space.

After the understanding of the theory is complete, I will discuss more about the Green Open Space procurement innovation itself in the next edition.

I hope a productive and progressive discussion can develop on this blog. And most importantly, we can try to find loopholes for more creative self-sustaining green space initiatives.