LANDSCAPE’S INFLUENCE ON
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC OPEN
SPACES
DIVYAPRABHA C
P19AL007
ABSTRACT
Open space and landscape influence on human behavior
Steps involved in the dissertation for the study
AIM
Understanding the subject
Assessing various human behavior in open space context with landscape
influence
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE
Nature and human dependency.
Forming space with regards to environment
METHODLOGY
Research questions
Observation and survey
AREA OF STUDY
Landscape elements
Case study
RESULTS
CONCLUSIONS
METHODOLOGY
LANDSCAPE
ELEMENTS
PUBLIC SPACES
SEATING
WATER
WALKWAY
LIGHTING
SHOPPING SUARE
PARKS
PLAZA & SQUARE
PARKING LOTS
SCALE
COLOUR
TEXTURE
CASE STUDIES
SURVEY
AGE
GENDER
TIMING
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
PREFERNCE
ATTRACTIVENESS
INFLUENCE
FOCUS
BEHAVIOURAL
THEORY
REFUGE &
PROSPECT
VIEW
REST
PREFERNCE
INDEX
MATERIAL
ROUTES
INFLUENCES
SAFETY &
COMFORT
FEAR
UNEASE
HESITATION
AMBIENT
ENVIRONMENT
TEMPERATURE
SMELL
SOUND
OPEN SPACE CATEGORIES
OPEN SPACES
LEISURE
GREEN SPACES
COMMERCE
BLUE
SPACES(WATER)
PEDESTRIAN
STREETS
TRANSPORTATION
SQUARES
STATION SQAURES
The aim of the dissertation explores the human behaviour in public open spaces listed above.
Case studies on each category is selected as reference of study.
Public open space like a square, promenade and mall square are taken as area of study and the
influencing landscape elements are identified.
The behavioural pattern around the elements in terms of resting(prospect-refuge theory),
movement(edge theory) are studied.
TRAFFIC GREEN
ISLAND
CATEGORIZATION
OF BEHAVIOUR
INDIVIDUAL
COLLECTIVE
GROUP
DYNAMICS
SHELTER
SEEKING
COHERANCE
INVESTIGATIVE
LEGIBILITY
EXPLORATORY
COMPLEXITY
ADAPTATIVE
MYSTERY
SOCIAL
PRO-SOCIAL
ANTI-SOCIAL
PROSPECT-REFUGE THEORY
‘Prospect-Refuge’ (1975) is a theory or sub-theory of
landscape aesthetics proposed by the human geographer Jay
Appleton (1919 – 2015), within his wider thesis called
‘Habitat Theory’.
People prefer environments where they can easily survey
their surroundings and quickly hide or retreat to safety if
necessary. Environments with both prospect and refuge
elements are perceived as safe places to explore and dwell,
and consequently are considered more aesthetic than
environments without these elements.
The prospect-refuge principle suggests that people prefer
the edges, rather than middles of spaces; spaces with
ceilings or covers overhead; spaces with few access
points (protected at the back or side); spaces that provide
unobstructed views from multiple vantage points; and
spaces that provide a sense of safety and concealment.
Its dual function is thus integrated around a common
denominator – shade. In addition the form of these Acacia
trees that gives rise to the beneficial shade (concealment and
shelter) is aesthetic to the human eye. It offers interesting
visual relief from the otherwise monotonous savannah.
The landscape features known as pergolas and arbours
are a contrived application of this concept, but there are no
shortage of wide spreading shade trees to fall back on if the
pergola doesn’t fit the bill.
In hilly or mountainous regions prospect-refuge is afforded
by an elevated (refuge) point, allowing views (prospects)
below and all around.
Refuge space to incite repose and the prospect part to
incite exploration.
Below we have dissected a few spaces which punctuate the
large sequential journey of Villa Malgaresh in the hills of
the Cote d’Azure, France to illustrate an example the
skilled composition of the elements that make the prospect
refuge dynamic work.
Even though she can be seen from above, if you look hard
enough, the seated girl is virtually invisible even from a
high vantage point. If she chose to sit on one of the other
three seats in the space however, she would be completely
concealed from that perspective. At the same time the
partial ceiling canopy provides the essential shade that
makes a seating space physically comfortable in a
Mediterranean or tropical country as well as the desirability
of the prospect-refuge psychology.
The secure seating (refuge) space has also been given a strong
desirability by a central focal point which reinforces the visual
appeal of the refuge space from the prospect space without, but
most importantly reinforces the desirability for repose from
within. The provision of seating further reinforces this
desirability to remain.
Note the linear stone sleepers leading out to the Western
prospect that encourage the explorer in that prospect to
enter the refuge, and conversely invite the reposer within the
refuge to explore the garden beyond.
The prospect-refuge dynamic we have been discussing so far
actually gets reversed during the hours of darkness. During
daylight the shade of an overhead canopy is eminently desirable,
but at night unlit heavily shaded and enclosed spaces have a
negative desirability to humans.
This image of an outdoor space at RMIT University,
Melbourne, shows that people gravitate to edge
conditions. Nobody has chosen to sit in the middle of the
green space, nor along the wooden path. They wish to
have the refuge of the bench edge, the tree trunk or
the concrete wall, whilst maintaining their prospect to
survey the remainder of the outdoor space.
How does this relate to the design of spaces?
•edge conditions encourage people to sit and survey
(confirmed by urban planner Kevin Lynch)
•expansive spaces discourage occupation, but invite
surveying of the space
•size of spaces matter to the number of occupants
able to use it
CASE STUDIES
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TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON
ORION MALL, BANGALORE
HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTRE
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
MARINA BEACH PROMENADE
PHAROAH’S PROMENADE, ALEXANDRIA
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON
•Movement across the square and the people concentration in the space.
•The fountains – people linger and rest around it.
•Water element – sound masking
•Fountains purpose is to counteract the reflected heat and glare from the
asphalt surface.
•The huge scale of the fountain minimize the possibility of riotous
assembly and control of crowd .
•Activities – resting, passing through & bird feeding but banned as of
2007.
The design elements :
•Fountain
•Seating space
•Movement pattern
•Grouping pattern
•Demarcation
•Statues & monuments
Surface texture:
Dark & light gray usage of asphalt floor
provides visual containment & movement
for the pedestrians of groups and
individuals. The offset of the fountain
shape in gray bands contains the lingering
in around the fountain automatically.
SECONDARY SEATING – STEPS – TRAFALGAR
SQAURE
Occupancy pattern
The groups tend to occupy the middle of the steps while
individuals or pairs occupy the edges.
The groups automatically maintain space between them
thereby creating space for movement.
Groups tend to occupy the steps than
other seating. Also from the steps, the
view of the square with fountains can be
seen. The steps with wide landing at
intervals do not appear cluttered when its
overcrowded.
The people do not mind crossing the
clustered groups while using for moving
through the square.
SEATING & BEHAVIOURAL PATTERN
CONCAVE SEATING –GROUPS
Preferable in parks.
More space to gather around and talk
as well as space for people to stop by.
Choice of seating
Individual
Groups
Perching
lizarding
CONVEX SEATING – UNATCHACHED
USER
Preferable in squares – where strangers are in
high volume than socializing groups.
SECONDARY SEATING - LEDGE
The ledge in the Seagram building plaza facilitates sitting
which surprised architect Van der Rohe stated by Philip
Johnson.
ORION MALL, BANGALORE
LAKE PROMENADE
Orion mall – part of mixed
use enclave.
The study part taken for the
dissertation purpose is the
area around Lake Promenade.
The landscape element of
focus are:
•Seating & amphitheatre
•Water feature- lake
promenade. Sprinkler
fountains and large water
spouts.
•Walkway – around the
promenade
•Lighting feature – evening
hours – for navigation, color
and focus.
Lake promenade in the rear of the mall surrounded by the
mixed use developments
Convergent element
Interactive fountain
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR AROUND WATER
ELEMENTS
Gurgling fountain in the surface, Orion mall
Divergent element
Passive feature
Orion mall, lake spout
The landscape highlights of Orion mall:
1. Lake promenade
2. Amphitheatre
3. Tree groove
Large dome shaped trees near the lake
The promenade area are very popular spot with the mall
visitors especially during evening time as the spot offers
people with views and pleasant environment with colorful
lights.
Site plan of Orion mall and lake promenade
LAKE PROMENADE- WATER FEATURE – DOMINANT
element.
Food outlet and viewing deck
Water features:
1. Lake - vista
2. Water spouts – visual appeal
3. Water sprinklers – active
Activities near water feature:
Lake: breezy environment, gazing and resting.
Water Spouts: Shade during day time.
Sprinklers: sensory participation by visitors.
Scale factor:
It balances out the verticality and offers a refuge space .
The massive water spouts are thrice the human scale but blends with
the surrounding. The huge human shaped trees and the lake with
spouts subtly evens out the grandeur around.
Sprinkler effect:
1. Floor sprinklers in
promenade
2. Sprinklers in the lake
3. Water spouts
Inference:
Floor sprinklers are visual appeal but can
cause accidents if left unchecked.
The sprinklers are all concentrated in the
promenade while the large part remains still
and detached.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS:
Planter box with seating made of stone.
Circular planter box ledge serve as seating as well.
The amphitheatre provides entire promenade view from high point faces the oval
dais.
The seating around trees are occupied majorly during day because of the shade.
Donut effect
People fill up edges before filling the middle.
In stepped seating, occupancy starts from
highest vantage point to the lowest levels.
People tend to group around objects even if they are not
using them. Examples like low planter box, bollards and
furniture.
Seating around planter box
Vantage point from amphitheatre
LIGHTING FEATURE:
Bright lights near the building while diffused, sublime effect near the lake.
Use of yellow light is predominant – activity & movement
Diffused lights – relaxing & resting
White lights for highlighting water feature in the dark.
Seating are lit so that the people can navigate towards it and
gather around a well lit space.
Entrances to the mall are brightly lit as it helps out the active
people movements whereas away around the lake are muted
providing as much privacy afforded in an open space.
Colours applied in the bubbling water fountain makes it
attractive and draws people to it.
Red, blue and yellow are the prominent colours used.
Red and blue provides contrast while yellow evens out any
glaring effects.
LIGHTING EFFECTS
Creates boundaries and legible space
Differentiate between walkway and edge of
the lake.
Cautions danger and provides visibility of
obstacles.
Trees adorned string lights
Provides focal point and attracts the people from distance.
Brightly lit spaces are found to be attracted people to dwell and stay as
well in groups.
While transition spaces like walkway and pathways are directly and lit
for legibility so people move rather then stop.
Lights can be used directional in an open space and direct the user
towards the destination.
LIGHTING FIXTURE
1. String lights
2. Floor level Lantern
3. Concealed lights in box planters
INFERENCE:
The illumination from the
building is not adequate to the
overall promenade.
Thus the promenade seems
to be in dark compared to
other areas.
The lake seems dark and
scary without strategic
lighting.
Sprinkling areas are
illuminated with colours
whereas the rest of the large
portion are dark and dull.
WALKWAY
The large promenade serves
for mobility and resting.
The planter boxes along the
built façade separates active
movement space and resting
space near the lake edge.
The café and outdoor dining
as well as mall entrances
makes the promenade lively
with movement.
The blue tile leads the
people towards the lake from
the roadside.
Textures in the promenade
The black tile divides the
entire space into divisions
based on occupancy and
activity.
At peak time, people movement
At relaxed time, people
movement
INFERENCE:
The walkway width is not
adequate during peak time for
movement.
The planter box becomes an
obstruction.
People concentration around the lake and the
amphitheatre
HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTRE
Hillsdale Shopping Center, or simply Hillsdale, is a shopping
mall in San Mateo, California, United States
OPEN AIR CENTRE, NORTH BLOCK, HILLSDALE
Enclosed on four sides by 3 storey buildings.
Landscaped with water feature with outdoor furniture and
seasonal display and kiosk features.
Rectangle in layout with curved pathways and landscape
elements.
WATER FEATURE
Curved shaped raised sprinkler fountain arrangement
takes up the 1/3rd of the layout.
Complimented with greenery and colourful plants.
Shallow and safe.
INFERENCE
The water feature layout and the design is more
ornamental.
It does not serve as vista either because of its raised
level.
The corners prove to be hindrance and not in balance
with the rectangle open space.
WALKWAY
The walkways are in proportion to the overall
layout.
Linear along the building façade and curved
connecting the lawn and water fountain.
Wide to accommodate 3 to 4 people at a time.
Lawn walkway width is less.
Peak time and seasonal crowding cannot be
accommodated with the layout.
INFERENCE
Varied path width and shape unbalances the layout.
Directional guidance is complicated by the curve
layout.
Obstruction in the pathway. No clear movement
space.
SEATING
Plastic furniture with shades are provided.
Placed along the curved layout of fountain and
trees.
Stepped planter and stepped idol in pedestal
serve as informal seating.
The ledge can act as seating.
Hap hazard placement of furniture are more of an
hindrance than functional.
Varied furn layout is used without any purpose.
Creates confusion.
LIGHTING FEATURE
String lights
Overhead down lights.
Yellow lights are predominant.
Diffused light from the building illuminates all over.
INFERENCE
Well lit at evening
Balanced use of colours and intensity.
String lights in trees provides visual clarity.
Creates relaxed ambience.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – WATER FEATURE
ORION MALL
adequate
curvilinear
Still water/sprinklervista
HILLSDALE
Proportion
Layout
Function
adequate
curved
Aesthetics but not
achieved
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – SEATING
ORION MALL
Flexible – planter box seating/amphitheatre
Comfort – yes
Adequacy – not tallied with overcrowding
Rigid
HILLSDALE
plastic furniture/different layout
yes
more than required
flexible
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – WALKWAY
ORION MALL
Wide
Linear
Accomodates more than 4
Directional clarity
HILLSDALE
Wide and narrow
Linear and curved
Accommodates max 4ppl
Directional confusion
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS – LIGHTING
ORION MALL
Balanced illumination and colour
Dark places prevail
Floor lanterns are hindrance
HILLSDALE
Balanced illumination and colour
Visual legibility
Fixtures at appropriate positions
MARINA BEACH PROMENADE
Shoreline: beach activity maximum
Safe and even terrain.
Longest beach stretch
Most visited destination in chennai
Most people activity can be seen at weekends
Activity:
Playing in the water
Hawkers
Games
Entertainment
Carousel
Vista watching
PEDESTRIAN
ROAD
GREEN BELT
WALKWAY
PARKING
PROMENADE DIVISION
BEACH
SHORELINE
Niche Selection
SEATING
No formal seating. Ledge and pedestal and steps
acts as informal seating.
No shade for seating area. Daytime summer
these area cannot not be used.
The green belt has less canopy trees.
The vast beach is the resting place in the evening.
Most people rest in the sandy area near the
shoreline for breeze.
The food carts are lined up after the parking
stretch.
Evening view
Above image shows a defined path and separation streamlines the movement and activity spaces.
Pharos Promenade, Alexandria, Egypt
Before development
After landscape development
Above image shows a defined path and separation streamlines the movement and activity spaces.
Seating with back is preferred in edges while seating with no backs is preferred in placement of two directional
paths.
Informal stepped seating
3 tiered levels- parking, walkway, seating
Ledge serve as informal seating.
Since the shoreline is comprised of rocky terrain, active beach functions are restricted.
More vista watching and relaxing are done.
No sand buffers, so high tide time water reaches the promenade.