Evaluating publicness of public space and its transforming pattern: A case of the inner courtyard at Khulna new market

Public space is one of the fundamental elements of urban morphology, and it is essential to understand its different dynamics. Different concepts define diversified perspectives of public spaces. There are various definitions, but the most critical characteristic of public space is its publicness. This paper aims to understand different dimensions and indicators of publicness from both theoretical and practical aspects and how the patterns are transforming through the perspective of a city. Publicness is the essential quality that gives public space its 'public' character, and over the period, it keeps changing and enriching itself; at the same time, it reconstructs the patterns of urban areas, engaging local community and individuals as well as urban environment. Public spaces gain publicness through spontaneous and purposeful actions and transform their framework and scheme. Generally, the publicness of a space is the complex and dynamic relationship among community, urban morphology, and public property. This paper explores Khulna New Market's publicness after the inner court's redevelopment to understand the fundamental framework based on the functions, values, community engagement, and changes according to the publicness concept.