Course Name:

Environmental Design and Urbanism in Global

South

Assignment On : Using Photo-voice to explore

urban green infrastructure of Khulna city.

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Rumana Asad Md. Taufiqul Islam Sajib
Associate Professor ID: 180102
Architecture Discipline Architecture Discipline
Khulna University Khulna University
NIRALA PARK

Location: Nirala Residential Area, Khulna

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Area: 0.40 Acre
Year of Establishment: 1980
KCC Wards: 24
Type: Neighborhood Park
Main Users: All People
Surrounding Landuse: Residential
Entry Fees: No
Source: Karim & Roy, 2012; KDA, 2018; Khaza et al., 2020
DETAILS OF TOOL:
Smartphone: Poco M2 Reloaded
f /2.2, 1/824s, ISO 112
3.789mm (Equivalent Focal Length 27mm)
REASONS BEHIND TAKING THIS PICTURE:
Understanding Functions:
 Children's Play Area
 Walking and Jogging Trail
Vegetations
Surroundings
Sittings
TYPES OF SELECTED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE:
Urban Park
Parks as open green space are one of the vital elements of any city and its
environment, which have a great importance in the daily life of urban people. Parks
fulfill the recreational and environmental needs of a city; and promote both the
physical and mental health (Roy et al., 2019). Parks help to generate local
employment, reduce poverty, foster economic growth and human development
(Calderon & Chong, 2004; Cockburn et al., 2013; Gibson & Rioja, 2014; Hooper et
al., 2018; Leipziger et al., 2003; Mendoza, 2017; Lee et al., 2015).
Nirala Residential Area is a planned residential area located in the core area of
khulna city. Nirala Park is the only open space planned for this area. People of all
ages use it for different purposes.
FUNCTIONS OF SELECTED GI:
Social:
Green Space: Nirala Park provides a large green space where visitors can enjoy
nature and the outdoors. The park is home to a variety of trees and plants,
providing a relaxing and refreshing environment.
Children's Play Area: The park has a dedicated children's play area with swings,
slides, and other fun equipment. This area is designed to be safe and enjoyable for
young children.
Walking and Jogging Trails: Nirala Park has walking and jogging trails that are
ideal for exercise and fitness enthusiasts.
Meeting space: The park is used as a meeting place for the local people.
Economic:
Food and Drink: The park has a range of street food and drink stalls offering
snacks, drinks, and local cuisine.
CONCERN:
Urban parks play an essential role as urban green infrastructure. They provide a
range of benefits to city residents, including recreation, socialization, aesthetic
value, and environmental services such as air purification, carbon sequestration,
and stormwater management.
However, there are several concerns that need to be addressed to ensure that urban
parks are effective green infrastructure. These concerns include:
Access and Equity: It is essential to ensure that all members of the community
have access to the park. This requires locating the park that is easily accessible by
public transportation or within walking distance of residential neighborhoods. It is
also important to ensure that the park is safe and welcoming spaces for all
members of the community, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Maintenance: The park requires ongoing maintenance to remain functional and
attractive. This includes mowing, pruning, litter collection, and pest management.
Adequate funding and staffing are necessary to ensure that parks are well-
maintained.
Climate Change: As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more
unpredictable, urban parks must adapt to changing conditions. This may require
changes to the types of plants used in the park, as well as adjustments to irrigation
and stormwater management systems.
Bird Habitat: Nirala park can provide valuable habitat for birds, but it is
important to balance this with the needs and safety of park users. Strategies for
managing wildlife in parks may include creating designated wildlife areas,
controlling invasive species, and educating park visitors about wildlife behavior.
Improved air quality: Urban parks can help reduce air pollution and improve water
quality through the absorption of pollutants.
Economic benefits: The park can increase property values and attract businesses
contributing to local economies.
Recreational opportunities: The park can provide more opportunities for physical
activity and social interaction, promoting health and well-being.
Role as a city-dweller:
As a city dweller, there are several ways I can play a role in supporting urban parks
as important components of urban green infrastructure. Here are a few examples:
Use the park: The more people use urban parks, the more support they will have
from the community and the more likely they are to receive funding and resources.
By using urban parks for recreation, exercise, and relaxation, you can help
demonstrate their value to the community and encourage others to use them as well.
Volunteer: Many urban parks rely on volunteers for activities such as tree planting,
litter cleanup, and trail maintenance. By volunteering my time and skills, I can help
to improve the quality and sustainability of urban parks.
Advocate for funding: Urban parks require funding for maintenance,
improvements, and new projects. By advocating for increased funding from local,
state, and federal sources, I can help ensure that urban parks have the resources they
need to thrive.
Promote equitable access: Access to urban parks can be limited for low-income and
marginalized communities. By advocating for and supporting initiatives that promote
equitable access to urban parks, such as public transportation and community
engagement programs, I can help ensure that all residents have the opportunity to
benefit from these valuable resources.
Practice sustainable behaviors: My personal actions can also have an impact on
the sustainability and health of urban parks. By practicing sustainable behaviors such
as reducing waste, conserving water, and avoiding the use of pesticides and
fertilizers, I can help ensure that urban parks remain healthy and vibrant for years to
come.

References:
Khan, A. M. (2019). Revisiting Planning Standards for Open Spaces in Urban Areas
from Global and National Perspectives. Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners,
12, 1-20.
https://www.bip.org.bd/admin/uploads/bippublication/publication24/paper/20201002
102922.pdf
Khaza, M. K. B., Rahman, M. M., Harun, F., & Roy, T. K. (2020). Accessibility and
Service Quality of Public Parks in Khulna City. Journal of Urban Planning and
Development, 146(3): 04020024. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000589