People Places: Attributes that enable a Convivial Walk Trail in Diyatha Uyana, Kotte, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introducing ‘green walk-trails’ to urban environments in Sri Lanka has become a popular intervention in the recent practice of urban development. People have embraced these trails as they fulfil the need for breathing-places/lungs associated with open green areas. In addition to beautification of the urban fabric, walk-trails serve a larger purpose of offering urban residents the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and achieve mental and physical wellbeing. In order to fulfil such objectives walk-trails need to be ‘convivial’ places. Conviviality is an all-encompassing concept that emphasises the importance of fine grain, local nuances and adaptability that is the root of a more humane approach to urban development that encourages positive social interaction. Conviviality is ‘place-specific’ and based on an amalgamation of Geographical, Physical and Sensorial attributes. The objective of the study was to explore key attributes that contribute towards enabling a convivial walk-trail in the specific context of “Diyatha Uyana”, Sri Lanka. Based on the theoretical framework established to analyse conviviality, the analysis was ‘User-centred’ and ‘Place-centred’ to explore the qualitative aspects in depth. The main data gathering technique of the study was through narrative-mapping which incorporated cognitive maps supported by a narration. Data gathered were analysed via content-analysis in order to come-up with necessary interpretations. It was found that the sensorial experiences were generated by the specific geographical and physical attributes, the vitality and dynamism in the way they combined and enabled unique micro contexts within the overall place. This enables strong visual and non-visual perceptions of the place. Such perceptions are key motivating entities that attract people to a public place, which is a decisive factor in the successful usage of public places.