Open Space Traditions, Development and Modernity. The Case of Bali

This article advances the idea that Bali must embrace an open space policy that accommodates cultural practices and values. It has long been recognized that public open space determines the livability of an urban area. In Bali, this issue has not been accommodated as part of planning policy by local government. In consequence, there is now a serious absence of open space available to the public as urban densities increase. The expanding urban population, urbanization and development activities have not been accompanied with a corresponding increase in public open space provision. Unfortunately, the conversion of public space into space for generalized urban development is increasingly common. The following paper develops an argument for conducting a comparative study of the historical development and growth of the concept of urban open space in Bali, compared to other places where such standards are much more fully developed. This leads us to an understanding of the diverse forms and roles that implementing the concept of a public realm. This paper concludes with the proposition that Bali requires a specific spatial policy and regulatory framework for the existence of public open space to be implemented across the island, and in line with global best practice to ensure the wellbeing of current and future generations. Keywords: public open space; land use conversion; traditions; spatial policy