The Impact of streetscape morphology on place attachment: with reference commercial streets in Colombo City

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate link between urban streetscapes and people's attachment to a place, with a particular emphasis on selected streets in Sri Lanka. People use the streets as a part of their daily lives, and a country's road network directly affects the level of development and productivity of its population. Sri Lanka’s street system is under development but is linked to community and social interactions and has a core of trust built with them. The study explores the significance of streetscape morphology in shaping human interactions and attachment to urban spaces. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods, and adopting place attachment and enclosure theories, the research sheds light on the nuanced relationship between street design and place attachment, particularly within the selected context, Colombo-Sri Lanka. By comparing the data of five selected samples on the street section from Bambalapitiya to Kollupitiya, the study compares the morphological influence of the behaviour on the cultural and community elements of these places and the people there. Further, the study investigates public perceptions and preferences by examining factors including sidewalk width, building characteristics, and tree arrangement, and the final outcome highlights the need for streetscapes that prioritise pedestrian comfort, safety, and sociability and have important implications for urban planning and design. Altogether, the study contributes to advancing the understanding of how streetscapes promote thriving, diverse urban communities and provides recommendations on future advancements in feasible urban design.