MARCH 16-3, 2023

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING MAULANA AZAD

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Multicultural Architecture in
Urban Landscape
DIVYANSHI JAISWAL
UNDER GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE, MANIT ,BHOPAL

Abstract
The study guides a community-based approach, seeking to understand the needs and
experiences of people in order to develop a design of public spaces that would support the
well-being of users and promote their social integration, appears to have been developed by
taking into account the localized forms of social well-being , which suggests that the study
recognized the importance of understanding the specific cultural context in developing design
solutions for a multicultural space.
Through observing the social activities of different cultural communities in public spaces and
investigating their perceptions and experiences, understand the relationship between people
and their public spaces so that we can develop a space which belong to all.

Keywords: Culture, community-based, cultural communities, social integration.

1. Introduction:

Landscape can have different meanings and interpretations for different people and
societies. The way people perceive and value landscapes is shaped by cultural, historical,
and social factors. For example, a particular landscape may be considered sacred or
important by a community because of its historical or cultural significance.
The presence of three distinct communities in different cities - the original community,
migrants from developing countries, and migrants from neighbouring cities - has led to
the emergence of multicultural neighborhoods and the creation of diverse urban
landscapes.

As a result, multicultural cities often have a rich mix of cultural influences, visible in their
architecture, public spaces, and neighborhoods. For instance, the presence of different places
of worship, such as mosques, temples, and churches, is a testament to the diversity of
religious beliefs within these cities. Moreover, the food markets, shops, and restaurants also
reflect the multicultural nature of the cities, offering a variety of cuisines from different parts
of the world.

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 The social transformation of these cities has also created challenges for social cohesion. The
emergence of cultural ghettos, where people of different cultures tend to cluster together, can
lead to a lack of interaction and understanding between communities. This can sometimes
result in social tensions, conflicts, and even segregation.
In addition, the economic and social disparities between the different communities can also
pose a challenge to social cohesion. For instance, the lack of access to education, employment,
and healthcare for certain communities can exacerbate social inequality and create a sense of
exclusion.
It is crucial for architects to address these challenges and promote social integration and
cohesion in multicultural cities. This can be achieved through initiatives that promote cross-
cultural understanding, create opportunities for social interaction, and address economic and
social disparities between communities. By doing so, people can harness the benefits of their
diversity while ensuring that all members of society are able to fully participate and contribute
to urban life.
Through identify shared values, preferences, and interests between different cultural
communities, which can serve as a basis for understanding the community's needs and
aspirations. Also explore how these shared values and preferences differ from the existing
public spaces.By taking a multicultural perspective , you can identify gaps between the existing
public spaces and the needs of different cultural communities.

Creating a place where different social and ethnic groups can live together while retaining
their cultural identities is a complex challenge that requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is
encouraging to see that social, economic, and political science perspectives have been used to
analyze these issues.

2. RESEARCH APPROACHES

One important factor in defining cultural and ethnic identity is the sense of belonging to a
particular community. This can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as language, religion,
customs, traditions, and shared experiences. Therefore, creating a place where different
cultural communities can coexist requires an understanding of the unique identities of each
group and the factors that contribute to their sense of belonging.

Social science perspectives can help identify social and cultural barriers that may prevent
different communities from interacting and integrating. For example, research on intergroup
contact theory suggests that positive interactions between individuals from different cultural
groups can lead to increased social cohesion and decreased prejudice. Therefore, creating
opportunities for positive interactions, such as community events and shared public spaces,
can help foster social cohesion and integration.

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 Economic perspectives can help address the economic disparities that may exist between
different cultural communities. For instance, providing access to affordable housing,
education, and job opportunities can help ensure that all residents have equal access to
economic resources.

Political science perspectives can help address issues related to power and governance within
the community. This can include ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and
that all members of the community have a voice in shaping the future of the community.

Overall, creating a place where different social and ethnic groups can live together while
retaining their cultural identities requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account
social, economic, and political factors. By doing so, we can create urban communities that are
inclusive, diverse, and socially cohesive.

2. METHODOLOGY

1. Literature reviews of existing multicultural planning and policy understanding multiple

cultural values in urban landscapes.
2. Case studies to know the existing global situations of multiculturalism in urban design and
its practice
3. Interviews and questionnaires to collect and analyze social behaviours and landscape
experiences of inner city residents.
4. Identification of the key differences and similarities of how people from different cultural
backgrounds view and use the urban.
5. Previous design development and planning to understand the pattern of study.

3. The Case Study

3.1 Waterloo Park , Kitchener :

Waterloo as a large, multi-functional urban park that can accommodate various

recreational uses, which is conveniently located close to universities and the city
center. However, despite its ideal location, the park was observed to be somewhat
neglected during weekdays, and students were the most infrequent group among the
park users. The study aimed to engage park users in a discussion about their
conceptions and expectations of urban park settings. To eliminate bias, the research
sample was built upon participants of different ages, gender, and social status
(parents, students, youth, and retired seniors) who had diverse ethnic and cultural
backgrounds. Members of the Kitchener-Waterloo community were recruited for
interviews
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 The choice of Waterloo Park as a case study was based on several factors. First, the
park's large size and diverse facilities made it an ideal location to study a variety of
recreational uses. Second, the cultural and ethnic diversity of Kitchener-Waterloo, as
well as the presence of two major universities, provided a diverse set of potential park
users. Third, the park's prime location within walking distance of Up-Town Waterloo
and the universities made it easily accessible to many people.

Waterloo Park , Kitchener

Despite its potential, however, the park was observed to be somewhat neglected during
the week, with few students and other visitors using it for recreation or leisure activities.
As a result, the study aimed to engage park users in a discussion about their conceptions
and expectations towards urban park settings in order to better understand how
Waterloo Park could be improved to meet the needs of a diverse range of users.

3.2 Cook Street West :

The fieldwork conducted in Cook Street West helped to understand how different
cultural communities use and perceive public spaces. The study showed that public
spaces can serve as significant gathering places for communities to celebrate their
cultural traditions and engage in social activities. Moreover, the interactions that occur
in public spaces can help foster a sense of belonging and social connectedness among
diverse groups.

The research also highlighted the importance of public spaces in promoting social
integration, particularly in ethno-cultural neighborhoods like Cook Street West. A well-
designed public space can facilitate interactions between different cultural communities
and encourage the sharing of cultural knowledge, leading to increased understanding
and acceptance of cultural differences.

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 The study suggests that a new type of public space could be designed to better support
the social well-being of Cook Street West residents. This could involve creating spaces
that reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the neighborhood and encourage
interactions between different cultural groups. Such public spaces can provide a venue
for cultural exchange, community cohesion, and social integration, leading to a healthier
and more vibrant neighborhood.

4. CONCLUSION

In summary, there is a strong relationship between multiculturalism, social integration,

and public spaces in promoting social well-being in diverse urban neighborhoods. Public
spaces serve as important venues for community gatherings, social interactions, and
cultural expressions.
They provide a platform for individuals from different cultural backgrounds to come
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 together and engage in shared activities, which can help to foster social integration and
promote a sense of belonging.

When designing public spaces in multicultural neighborhoods, it is important to take into

account the unique cultural values, practices, and preferences of the community. This
can involve incorporating elements of different cultural traditions into the design, such
as public art, seating areas, and community gardens, that reflect the cultural diversity of
the community.

In addition, public spaces can be designed to promote social inclusion by providing

opportunities for diverse groups to interact and engage in shared activities. For example,
public spaces can be designed to accommodate different types of events and activities
that appeal to a diverse range of interests, such as cultural festivals, sports tournaments,
and community concerts.

By promoting social integration and community cohesion through the design of public
spaces, we can create more vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that celebrate cultural
diversity and enhance social well-being for all residents.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328784679_An_Inquiry_into_the_Urba
n_Landscape_of_Multicultural_Cities/link/5be2e6bd4585150b2ba57cfb/download

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
340612620_Role_of_Multicultural_Identity_in_Landscape_Perception_and_Methodol
ogical_Possibilities_of_Its_Interdiscipli nary_Analysis

https://www.researchbank.ac.nz/handle/10652/3087
www.acsa-arch.org/proceedings/Annual%20Meeting%20Proceedings/ACSA.AM.…

https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/bitstream/handle/10012/6268/Sitek_M

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328784679_An_Inquiry_into_the_Urban_Landscape_of_M
ulticultural_Cities/link/5be2e6bd4585150b2ba57cfb/download

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