Enhancing visual and spatial quality in streetscape for visual sustainability: special reference to coastal city Matara, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Visual identities play an important role in shaping urban landscapes. The ad-hoc response to development pressure has significant impact on the visual landscapes of streetscape in cities. Going beyond traditional considerations of guidelines on functionality and environmental concerns in urban planning, this study focuses on enhancing visual and spatial quality in the streetscape for visual sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the coastal city of Matara, a Coastal tourist Destination in Sri Lanka. It explores the interplay between tangible (physical) and intangible (perceptual) elements shaping urban landscapes, highlighting the importance of cultivating unique visual identities. Five key visual qualities - imageability, visual enclosure, human scale, transparency and complexity are assessed for their contributions to aesthetic appeal, psychological comfort, economic vitality, and heritage preservation. The research highlights the critical role of community participation and education in fostering visual sustainability, an aspect frequently overlooked in urban planning. A visual quality assessment framework is developed through a comprehensive literature review, and three streetscapes are selected based on urban character, historical significance, and socio-economic contexts. A comparative analysis is conducted through field observations, photographic documentation, and qualitative assessments to explore strategies for visual Sustainability in streetscapes. Considering both aesthetics and functionality, the proposed strategies aim to enhance streetscape identity, social engagement, and environmental responsiveness, contributing to more vibrant and resilient streetscapes.