Livability of the urban environment : an examination of the correlation between city form and livability in the urban context in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cities have come into being as a result of a historical need. These needs have changed from time to time from Stone Age to the contemporary man. Man created the spatial patterns of the environment he lived depending on these needs. The urban form of the large permanent physical objects of the city: buildings, streets, open spaces and its landscape as a result of this process. Although it applies even today the notion of these cities as an organic entity is not a very new one. Aspects like topography have also shaped these organic cities. These organic cities comprise values such as community, continuity, health, well-functioned security, "warmth" and balance. The function of the city is primarily due to its spatial form. Safety, identity, accessibility and' fit are some of its values, which determine its performance. The master planning approach has been more practical in. achieving these goals of tine urban landscape. The ancient Roman cities were obvious centers where culture and civilization was nurtured. But today cities lack the positive culture side of it. Most of them are getting inhumane, lacking warmth and discouraging human development. Primarily as environmental phenomena it has privacy, territoriality, personal space and crowding as important aspects of livability. The notion of livability is defined and seeks at different degrees in different cultures. It should be given a more humane approach: Therefore the city would be looked as a place for people and a self contained organic entity. As a place this urban environment constitutes dwellings, neighborhoods, communities and the cities. The aspects of identity, character, people, meaning, activities and visual aspects are importantly identified in its livability.