ABSTRACT
The historic city of Chittagong in Bangladesh could be conceptualized as a ‘city of open spaces’. Its rapid urbanization and economic growth present challenges to the preservation of the city’s historic open spaces. The focus of this chapter is to present an understanding in how the city’s open spaces were developed in its journey from a small port settlement to a contemporary urban setting and the significance of their preservation for the management of its urban heritage. This discussion on the evolution of open space revolves around their creation and development from the seventh century to the twenty-first century through three major periods – pre-medieval, medieval and colonial – and in relation to the city’s geography, cultural, economic and political influences, and historical transformations. To help aid in the discussion, an open space is defined as a parcel of land that is publicly accessible, provides for passive and/or active recreational opportunities, and that helps to enhance the beauty and environment quality of Chittagong. Ten heritage open space types are identified. Within these spaces, there are historical buildings, public spaces, and natural settings with hardscape and softscape features. The analysis of the urban form of the city in such landscape types helps to overcome limitations of monument-centric and bifurcated (nature/culture; tangible/intangible) approaches to the conservation of urban heritage and to develop an approach that is place-specific and that highlights Chittagong’s landscape setting and historical development.
