The impact of streetscapes, on vehicle users: insights from Gannoruwa – Peradeniya roads in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A good road system that is pedestrian friendly and free of chaos is always a sign of a well-designed town or city. The surrounding environment of the road networks which are the structural features, referred to as the streetscape, plays a major role in defining the identity of roads, streets, and places which is important for attracting visitors and making the city user-friendly. The visual quality of this streetscape, in particular, can have a major impact on a vehicle user’s attitude by giving them varied feelings towards the roadway, which can lead to more relaxing or stressful states. This study aims to determine the effects of the natural environment and built environments on the visual quality of streets and their impact on vehicle users. The complexity level, imageability, and sense of the environment are observed in two selected roads in Kandy both of which have different visual qualities with streetscape elements. The “locomotion method” and an online questionnaire are used to collect data on the street elements and vehicle users’ opinions and behaviours. The findings reveal that over 80% of vehicle users choose reduced complexity and higher imageability levels of a streetscape above the sense of the region, which gives the streetscape its uniqueness. Streets with a low level of complexity help to reduce stress among drivers and passengers during heavy traffic hours. The study further shows that an open landscape, a clear sky view, and fewer tree obstructions are the positive environment variables that contribute to visual quality and a better streetscape.