OUR PUBLIC SPACE READINESS POST PANDEMIC IN NEW NORMAL ERA

The conception of the formation of a modern city includes the presence of a number of spaces, buildings, access, and people that are united and arranged in a certain pattern according to the characteristics of each region. In the perspective of modern city design it is emphasized that spaces formed on the basis of property rights are divided into private or private ownership and public spaces. Madanipour explained that the differentiation of public and private space is one way to translate and interpret social, political, and spatial organizations in a city. Public space is a shared place and spaces of social activities where everyone without exception has access to use and be responsible for their maintenance. Public space which is a shared space is divided into several types of function typologies. Carr (1992) compiled a typology of public space based on the function and character of its activities including: public parks, plazas, memorials, markets, roads, playgrounds, community open spaces, green lanes, indoor shopping, spontaneous spaces in residential environments, and edges water.

The symptoms of the Covid-19 pandemic spread rapidly and spread to cities throughout the world. No exception in the city of Denpasar, the spread of the virus that began in Wuhan City was carried by humans as intermediaries and transmit it to fellow humans. The spread of this virus is suspected to occur in public spaces with high intensity of contact and human encounters. Prevention efforts are made through health protocols in the form of physical restrictions and social restrictions on the community. One of them is by temporarily closing access and activities in public spaces to prevent the spread of viruses. Some countries even do a lockdown that is the total closure of economic and social activities of the community and make people to move from within their respective homes.

Now after about four months have passed since the discovery of the first Covid 19 case in Indonesia the news blew up that socio-economic activities and activities in public spaces would be reopened. These conditions raise the question, are our public spaces ready to be able to adapt to new normal conditions. What are the things needed to be able to "accept" back social activities? Apart from the condition of the virus which certainly does not immediately disappear and remain a threat to humans. Moreover, information circulated by WHO that this virus can still live outside the human body and on the surface of the material contained around public spaces. This condition is of mutual concern, so that we remain vigilant and avoid the dangers of the virus.

Efforts should be made as soon as possible to anticipate the reopening of activities in public spaces. One of the things that can be done is the making of rules and procedures for the administration and utilization of public space during the new normal period. Of course, by paying attention to health protocols that are still in force. In addition to the preparation of important rules and procedures, the provision of infrastructure and facilities for washing hands and public toilets with high levels of hygiene. All these efforts certainly will not succeed without the participation and discipline of the community in implementing health rules and protocols. Public space is a place for people to be free to express themselves but with this pandemic condition we learn to keep these shared spaces healthy, safe and comfortable for all levels of society.