The Usage of Public Open Spaces in Candi Baru, Semarang

Public open space has a role in making settlements more comfortable and liveable. However, they were generally found deserted, unmaintained, and dull. Candi Baru (New Candi) was a residential area in Semarang located in the southern area, which is a highland. The residential area was designed by Thomas Karsten, a Dutch architect and urban planner during the colonial administration. The concept design of Candi Baru implemented by Thomas Karsten was similar to Garden City’s concept. From the previous discussions about the Candi Baru area, there was a gap in the use of public open spaces based on the spatial justice aspect. So, this paper aims to identify the use of public open spaces based on spatial justice for three parks in Candi Baru: the Sudirman, Merapi, and Diponegoro parks. For the identification, a qualitative method was implemented to describe spatial justice in the current usage of the three public open spaces. Therefore, the result of the paper will equip the understanding of the existence of public open spaces in the colonial urban area, which was inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.