Abstract:
This paper examines the user behaviours relative to sense of safety in urban
landscape spaces. Reconciliation of feelings, emotions and behaviours of
user due to image of the space; it may be comfortable or uneasy. Urban
become abandoned or uneasy caused by many design issues. It disruption
user engagement and assist to create opportunistic crime spaces. Space
contain several physical and psychological parameters which have been
found on this study. Prospect and refuge theory, figure ground theory,
concept of eyes on the street, broken window theory and sense of
‘enclosure’ theory strengthen the selection of parameters. Theoretical
parameters are strengthened by visibility, boundary and enclosure and
changing elements affect the sense of safety and fear. Beira Lake and
Viharamahadevi Park have been selected as cases, because both have
similar landscape characteristics. Surrounding path adjoining with
roadscape and middle landscape mass add symbolistic similar characters.
This study has used questionnaires, interviews, photo and video survey,
behaviour mapping and observations to identify safety or fear generating
factors considering a sample of participants in the multi ethnic
neighbourhoods, visitors and regular visitors in the day time and night time.
Compared to Beira lake; Viharamahadevi park gives safer feeling due to
width to height ratio. The park has comparatively long width relative to
surrounding heights. The Beira Lake is crowded with high rises and length
comparatively less than Viharamahadevi Park. It makes uneasy feeling and
control user behaviours.
Citation:
Jayasinghe, Y. A. O. D. & Gunasena, K., (2016). Analytical study on sense of safety in urban landscape spaces. In J. Wijesundara, & R. Dayaratne,(Eds.). Proceedings of the International Conference on Cities, People and Places ICCPP 2016. (pp. 181-197). Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa.