Perception of Public Spaces

I could not help my disdain for travelling through Port of Spain these last two semesters, as I like most of my fellow Trinbagonians view Port of Spain as loud, dirty and filled with vagrants, pipers (drug addicts who may or may not have a permanent abode) and other unsavory characters who may well need to be housed at the Mental Hospital in St. Anns. I really do not hate the city, at times I just do not want to be harassed and chased by persons whose mental state seems quite precarious nor do I want to smell the concoction of drain water mixed with all of Charlotte Streets fish and vegetable vendors spoilt produce of days gone by. Don't get me started on litter lined streets and crazy pigeons and birds that pick your hair and can drop and artillery of poop at a moments notice.

Gone are the days when i was beyond excited to go shopping with my mom in town, or happy to tag along for a drive while my dad paid bills or visited the bank. Every once in a while I too embark on this journey but I am not excited, nor pissed, I just have no real emotion towards the city itself.

Upon embarking on my photoblog journey and seeing a pattern in the use of public space and in talking with my friends about what public space meant to them, it all made sense. I wondered why there were only old men with a few old women gathering in parks and squares, along streets and in public libraries? Perception was mainly the reason for the lack of a more youthful or even middle aged presence.

Elderly couple catching up on the times

Homeless man resting on bench in POS, Trinidad

Relaxing after work in the background, taking a afternoon nap in the forground

Old men lounging in POS, Trinidad

As previously discussed in my post titled "Importance of Public Space" it was noted that these spaces were generally occupied by senior citizens and mostly men at that. These were the people who appreciated public space as it provided a recreational, social place or just a place to kill time while waiting  or to stop for a break along their journeys. I on the other hand as well as some of my peers all agreed that parks and squares were perceived as "old people places" or places for homeless people. Every day I see persons who i am sure have no fixed abode like the gentleman pictured above lounging on benches and I think to myself I would never sit there.

Maybe this is more of a local occurrence as most of the literature spoke highly of use of public spaces by all.

However i was given an insightful quote by one of my colleagues in the comment section of a previous post (Thanks alot Jennifer!)According to Michael Pachione (2001, 11) space is a social construct...different geographic spaces and scales is in a constant state of flux. There are certain spaces declining in importance whilst others increase. This supports the idea that due to perception younger people may hold along with the variety of outlets for socialization and recreation urban public space is no longer such importance as compared to older persons.

Story still developing

Sharifa