Role of aesthetics in conviviality of public open spaces in new market, Bhopal: A case study

Abstract

Conviviality means living happily together in the company of each other. A convivial public open space represents a healthy society. The qualities of the built environment surrounding a public open space can play an important role to make it friendly, sociable or convivial. This paper aims to investigate the conviviality of public open spaces with reference to visual aesthetics of the built environment around them. For this investigation, a perception survey has been carried out to examine the users’ perception of conviviality and built environment qualities of selected eight public open spaces in new market, Bhopal. The data gathered are analysed using the correlation between perception of built environment qualities (aesthetics, legibility and walkability) and supporting variables of conviviality. Aesthetics of a typical building facade in two public open spaces has been objectively measured apart from public perception. The objective measurement will help to rationalise the public perception of aesthetics. The objective measurement is based on the Gestalt law of visual organisation for evaluating visual aesthetics of a building facade using order and complexity. This study will help urban designers and planners to understand the role of aesthetics in creating convivial public open spaces.