The Influence of visibility on personal space creation in urban public spaces: a case study of the Arcade at Independence Square

Abstract

Urban open public spaces play an important role in supporting social interaction, recreation, and psychological well-being within dense urban environments. While much of the existing literature emphasizes the role of public spaces in encouraging social interaction and ensuring safety through visibility, relatively limited attention has been given to how visibility can also support personal space creation in urban public spaces. The research focuses on the Independence Square Monument in Colombo as a case study. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining spatial analysis and behavioural observation. For the spatial analysis, two parameters were used to examine visibility: overall visibility and point visibility. Under behavioural analysis, users’ spatial choices were examined using two parameters: proximity and movement patterns. Visibility conditions were analysed using Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) and point isovist mapping through DepthMapX software, while user spatial behaviour was documented through observations and photographic documentation. The findings indicate that users tend to select locations where visibility can be partially controlled, allowing them to balance exposure to the public environment while maintaining personal space. The study concludes that managing visibility through architectural and landscape elements such as columns, edges, and shaded zones can enhance privacy in urban public spaces without compromising safety or social interaction.