IDENTIFYING SPATIAL INEQUITY IN PUBLIC SPACE UTILIZATION THROUGH A MULTISENSORY APPROACH: A CASE STUDY OF BANDUNG CITY HALL PARK

Abstract

Bandung City Hall Park is a public open space that serves as a venue for recreation and social interaction for urban communities. Although it provides relatively equal physical facilities and accessibility, space utilization in the field still shows significant spatial disparities. This condition is characterized by a high concentration of activities in certain parts of the mass composition and low utilization in other zones, which indicates a failure in fulfilling environmental stimuli. This study aims to identify these spatial disparities in space utilization through a multisensory approach by analyzing the relationship between sensory spatial configuration quality and visitor behavior patterns. The research method applies a descriptive qualitative approach through field observations, behavior mapping, documentation, and spatial analysis of architectural elements that trigger visual, thermal, auditory, and olfactory stimuli across four empirical observation zones (Zones A, B, C, and D). The results indicate that areas with better sensory environmental quality, characterized by dense shadeproviding vegetation, optimal microclimate thermal comfort, adequate seating facilities, and comfortable auditory noise control, exhibit much higher levels of visitor activity and social interaction. Conversely, zones with lower sensory quality and minimal shading elements tend to be underutilized by the public. These scientific findings prove that the quality of the architectural multisensory environment directly influences the spatial distribution of user activities within the urban park. In conclusion, a multisensory approach can be applied as an evaluation instrument and design parameter for adaptive public open spaces to promote a more balanced and inclusive utilization of urban spaces.