Identifying the Perceptual Qualities of a Heritage Precinct - Entrance Gateway (Rajagopuram)

Abstract

Existence of a heritage / historical structure is the one that adds meaning to urban or rural space. The perceptual quality of the structure enhances the aesthetic sense to the settings or place. The aesthetic sense makes the place, a visual appealing entity with augment of identity. It develops a sign and symbol to the place. Without that, the meaning is lost, identity is destroyed and placelessness is formed. Urbanization and globalization always concentrate more on development, without understanding the basic meaning and cultural heritage of any built environment with its tangible and intangible aspects. This paper explores the ideas and thought process of the architects, urban design theorists, and psychologist in considering perceptual qualities of a structure and it turns in relation with the feature of a Dravidian style Rajagopuram that acts as an entrance gate way to a heritage precinct .