Role of adjoining edges in supporting pedestrians in public places

Abstract

The public realm is one of the important elements of cities, having physical access for all its inhabitants. The decline of public realm is a major concern. The public realm is physically defined by the adjoining edges of built environment in the surrounding. Adjoining edges act as a contact zone between built spaces, and pedestrians related activities, also affect success of public realm. Pedestrian supportiveness of built form is one of the important characteristics of a successful public realm. The pedestrians, who are dynamic in nature, generate different patterns while interacting with the elements of the adjoining edges. Many times the bleak frontages express built form. This study is aimed to identify & understand different types of adjoining edges, their elements, composition and possible coherence with pedestrians. Adjoining edges of all typologies are vital, though this study is limited to commercial typologies considering its importance in quality of public realm. The study is supported by an identified case of commercial precinct, presented as part of analysis. The study is structured in three stages. First is identification of types of adjoining edges based on built environment, composition of elements. Second is to understand the general pedestrian behavior in public realm. Third explores the possible coherence among adjoining edges and pedestrians, to identify pedestrian supportive elements and their composition. Adjoining edges vary greatly within the identified precinct, based on their elements and composition. Overall Adjoining edges are found to be complex, owing to its elements being entwined. Also it was observed that pedestrians are adaptive while interacting with different edge types. Temporary activities supported by adjoining edges attract a lot of pedestrians. The public realm is far more complex to gain insight into, but this study helps in identifying commonly observed composition of elements helpful in pedestrian supportiveness. Selected Case study provides some patterns in use of adjoining edges by pedestrians. The outcome can aid Architects and Urban Designers to address the issue of decline of public realm.