Evolving Urban Landscapes and Declining Public Spaces in Yangon: An Analysis of Drivers and Trends.

Yangon City, Myanmar's predominant economic hub has a historical legacy dating back to earlier centuries B.C. Despite experiencing rapid urban development, the factors driving its urban transformation are diminishing over time. This paper employs an "evolutionary approach" to landscape transformation as its central theoretical framework, focusing on a comprehensive study of land use patterns and open spaces in Yangon City. The primary objective of this study is to delve into the inherent land-use transformation within Yangon City across different time periods. Additionally, it aims to assess the deteriorating state of open spaces in Yangon metropolitan area and identify the key drivers behind this transition. Adopting a descriptive research and review approach, the paper elucidates prevailing practices, current situations, attitudes, reasons, and ongoing processes. The findings of the study indicate a lack of established criteria or standards for creating new public open spaces and parks in Yangon. This exacerbates the challenge of green space availability, particularly considering the anticipated population growth. The research also uncovers a rapid landscape transformation in Yangon, contributing to issues of land scarcity. The drivers of this transformation include population increase, as well as governance, globalization, socio-economic factors, and environmental/natural disasters. It further unveils the key criteria for creating new public open spaces and parks which entails Accessibility and Connectivity, Size and Distribution, diverse functions and activities, eco-friendly designs, community participation as well safety and maintenance. In conclusion, the study recommends addressing the shortcomings in master plan and implementation measure of urban infrastructure regeneration in Yangon. A priority should be placed on the central spine of the city, with a focus on incorporating and optimizing the functionality of the mislaid sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]