Urban Aesthetics and Streetscape – A Case of NGO Road in Narayangarh, Chitwan

Abstract

Today’s environment of the city incorporates various components that influence the quality of life, have an emotional impact on people: the buildings and constructions, landscape, panorama of the city, historical traditions, culture, environment, climate, and many other factors. This thesis is an attempt of in-depth study of the urban aesthetics and streetscape of NGO road in Narayangarh. The focus of the thesis lies in studying the elements of streetscape and building facades through the perspective of human experience, ideas, behavior and attitude. The objective of research is to explore the urban aesthetics and streetscape, identify the major problems and understand the people’s perception towards existing conditions. The goal of thesis is to provide guidelines which may be used by the city providence, property owners, and developers in shaping the urban aesthetics and streetscape. The method applied for this research is mixed method i.e. qualitative and quantitative thus research falls on pragmatic paradigm. The methodology followed is case-study methodology and it involves the two types of sampling (one with houses and one with people) for fulfilling the purpose of research. Study is limited to literature review, field survey, direct observation and questionnaire survey where the urban aesthetics and streetscape definition, urban form, streetscape elements, façade elements, guidelines etc. are studied. Study concludes that there is the diversity in building type, material, construction, height, color, etc. Streetscape elements are not sufficiently provided which has caused the problems in pedestrian as well as vehicular user. From the result of questionnaire survey, majority of respondent are not satisfied with the existing condition of NGO Road in Narayangarh. The major problem is traffic, traffic congestion, lack of aesthetic considerations and streetscape elements has created the degradable visual image of the place as well unsafe pedestrian and vehicular movement. For a healthy design, it is essential for a sensitive concern of design guidelines in the developing place. Eventually, beauty is in the eye of viewers and if they feel comfortable, safe, attractive, enjoyable, and eye relaxing view, it is considered as aesthetically pleasing. Accordingly, a convenient and secure pedestrian route may eventually be used as a “tool” to draw tourists to the area. Therefore design guidelines have been proposed for better development and aspire to both renovate and solve current issues of NGO Road and its surrounding area