Adaptation of Community Activity Spaces in the City Centre of Semarang in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the relationship between space users in the street, public spaces, and public facilities. Restrictions on physical distance (physical distancing) and activity (social distancing) are in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Borders on physical distance and access to public spaces do not reduce activity in these spaces. Public spaces must have an adaptive response to the spread of the virus while still implementing inclusive practices for all space users. Spatial adaptation patterns overcome the pandemic crisis in public spaces applied temporarily or permanently in the main areas where community activities are carried out. And now, in the transition of post-pandemic, when the city begins to open the pandemic, we hope people will remain comfortable and safe doing activities in public spaces from the spread of the Coronavirus. The specific purpose of this study is to explore the adaptation of community activities spaces that occurred in the centre of Semarang after the pandemic. This study uses a qualitative method with direct observation and interviews. This method captures the phenomenon of public spaces adaptation after the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is a temporary adaptation and viability pattern of community activity spaces in downtown Semarang in the COVID-19 pandemic transition. Hopefully, the finding can support the knowledge about sustainable public space after the pandemic.