Urban alleyways as a functional landscape element and its effect on live able city : a study with reference to Kandy city

Abstract

A good city is a fascinating manmade creation which stimulates the physical and psychological satisfaction of its dwellers. Positive public realm is the core of liveable city. Urban alleyways are one such significant, micro contextual public territory generally located at the core of the city. They are multifunctional and act as linking paths, gathering spaces and commercial spaces. Urban alleyways could also generate negative consequences due to dis-functioning and lost spaces. The heritage city of Kandy in Sri Lanka was selected for the investigation of functionality and liveability of the alleyways. According to the literature survey, “Figure-ground theory” explains the relationship between built fabric and spaces in-between. The study adopted the “Linkage theory” to evaluate the circulation space and spatial connections. Integration, connectivity and intelligibility of alleyways were measured as spatial configuration through Space syntax maps. “Place theory” addresses behavioural patterns of people within public spaces in accordance with the physical and psychological attributes. Psychological satisfaction of people is evaluated concerning the fulfilment of physical attributes. Direct field observation and interviews with city dwellers are done for accurate data. Activity maps are used to evaluate detailed description about the relationship among the location, physical environment and behavioural patterns of people. The study shows that the behavioural patterns of people in urban alleyways are consequence connected to two paradigms; the impact of spatial configuration and effects of physical & psychological dimensions. Hence, the equilibrium of both paradigms influences the performance of alleyways, the study concluded that positive spatial configuration in equilibrium with affirmative physical & psychological attributes of alleyways, deeply effect the satisfaction of people and the liveability of city.