P-18 Strengthening Social Bonds in Bujumbura through Public Space: Redesigning Jardin Public de Bujumbura for the Restoration of the City’s Sense of Community

Buller Hall Lobby

In the last century, Public Spaces have been one of the most studied element by both architects and designers as some of the most used and impactful places that shape public life. Unfortunately, the necessity of public spaces for public life is not a focus everywhere. In places that have continuously experienced war and instability over the years, like Burundi, the public realm is perceived as a source of problems rather than a promoter of the city’s well-being. Public spaces are seen as settings that contribute to an increase of death rates, rapes and other insecurities in the city. My project explores the possibility of redesigning an existing public space using different pattern languages and principles that could result in a well-designed space and help promote public spaces and life in the city. My creative project will consist of redesigning Bujumbura’s public park “Jardin Public”, one of the underutilized parks in Burundi, in the hope to promote a peaceful and community-oriented neighborhood in Bujumbura.