Urban Aesthetics and Streetscape – A Case of NGO Road in Narayangarh, Chitwan
Date
2022-09
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
IOE Pulchowk Campus
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
Description
A city is composed of numerous tangible and intangible elements. Elements such as
natural setting, land-use, circulation system, built form and people’s behavioral
pattern are more articulated which contributes towards urban aesthetics (Mowla,
2011).
Keywords
Urban Aesthetics, Streetscape, urban street, Buildings, Design guidelines