PERCEPTUAL QUALITIES

OF PLACE AND
PHYSICAL CHARACTERS
JEFFERSON T. ESTEBAN
PROVISIONS
• Visual elements:
These provisions may address the use of
color, materials, architectural styles, and
other visual elements in order to create a
desired sense of place or character.
• Functional elements:
These provisions may address the layout
of streets, buildings, and other elements
in order to create a place that is easy to
use and navigate.
• Public spaces:
These provisions may address the
design and maintenance of parks,
plazas, and other public spaces.
• Natural environment:
These provisions may address the
preservation and enhancement of
the natural environment in urban
areas.
Here are some specific Examples of How
Perceptual Qualities and Physical Characters

• The City of New York's Urban Design Guidelines for Downtown

Manhattan state that the goal is to create a "walkable, vibrant, and
sustainable downtown." The guidelines specify that streets should be
designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks, ample street
trees, and plenty of places to sit and people-watch. The guidelines
also call for the creation of new public spaces and the preservation of
existing historic buildings.
• The City of Portland, Oregon's Urban Growth Planning Policy states
that the goal is to create a "compact, livable, and sustainable city."
The policy requires that new development be located within existing
urban growth boundaries and that it be designed to be pedestrian-
friendly. The policy also calls for the preservation of open space and
the protection of the natural environment.
• The City of Austin, Texas's Urban Design
Code states that the goal is to create a "lively,
walkable, and sustainable city." The code
specifies that new development should
incorporate a variety of uses, including retail,
office, and residential. The code also calls for
the creation of new public spaces and the
preservation of existing historic buildings.
• Urban Design Guidelines can play a powerful role in shaping the
perceptual qualities and physical characters of our cities. By carefully
considering the desired perceptual qualities and physical characters of
a place, urban designers can create guidelines that will help to create
vibrant, livable, and sustainable communities
• Perceptual Qualities are important to consider in urban design
because they can have a significant impact on people's well-being and
quality of life.
 Relationship between Perceptual Qualities of Place and Human
well-being:

Perceptual Qualities of Place can have a significant impact on human well-

being.
• One study found that people who live in neighborhoods with high
imageability have lower rates of depression and anxiety.
• Another study found that people who live in neighborhoods with high
visual enclosure are more likely to report feeling safe and connected to
their community.
 Role of Urban Design in creating places with strong Perceptual
Qualities:

By considering Perceptual Qualities in the design of streets, blocks,

buildings, public spaces, and other elements of the built environment,
urban designers can create places that are more livable, sustainable,
and enjoyable for everyone.
 Case studies of Urban Design projects that have successfully
created places with strong Perceptual Qualities:

Some Examples include:

• The High Line in New York City is a
former elevated railway that has
been converted into a public park.
The High Line offers unique views of
the city and provides a variety of
spaces for recreation, relaxation,
and social interaction.
• Millennium Park in Chicago is a
public park that features a
variety of public art installations,
including the iconic Cloud Gate
sculpture. The park is a popular
destination for visitors and locals
alike, and it offers a variety of
opportunities for recreation,
relaxation, and social interaction.
• The Copenhagen Waterfront in
Denmark is a public space that
has been designed to be
accessible and enjoyable for
everyone. The waterfront
features a variety of amenities,
including playgrounds,
swimming areas, and walking
and biking trails.
• The Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain
is a pedestrian street that is
lined with shops, restaurants,
and cafes. The Ramblas is a
popular tourist destination, and
it is also a popular gathering
place for locals.
• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates is a mosque that is
known for its beauty and
grandeur. The mosque is open to
visitors of all faiths, and it offers
a variety of educational
programs about Islam.
Emerging trends in Urban Design that are focused on creating
places with strong Perceptual Qualities:
• The use of placemaking principles
to create more vibrant and inclusive
There are a number of emerging public spaces. Placemaking is a
trends in urban design that are process that involves working with
focused on creating places with the community to create public
strong perceptual qualities. Some spaces that are both functional and
examples include: meaningful.
• The design of walkable and
bikeable communities. Walkable and
bikeable communities are designed
to be more accessible and enjoyable
for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The incorporation of nature and biophilic design into the built
environment. Biophilic design is an approach to design that
emphasizes the connection between humans and nature.
• The use of public art and other forms of creative expression to
create more meaningful and memorable places. Public art and other
forms of creative expression can help to make places more unique
and inviting.
THANK YOU!!