Sensory Reception and Other Factors Affecting the Atmosphere and Security of Public Spaces

Abstract

Background Public spaces take a variety of forms, e.g. squares, parks, street which are connected to each. The various developed interior with surrounding building are creating a urban system which defines identity of the city. The city is alive only then when public spaces are activated. To make it there is necessary to ensure adapted functional program. The authors are seeking the elements, which creates a friendly atmosphere and a unique microclimate that allows to create relationships and psycho-physical relaxation in the city. For this purpose there were examined the material elements, e.g. composition of elevation the interiors, dominants, opening lookouts. The most important part of resources was perception. Sensory factors (eg. aesthetic, acoustic, olfactory) which affect our perception and are related with emotional experiences were analysed and summarized. A neighborhood of the national arteries was also analysed. The field of research is a market square of the city Serock (Mazowieckie voivodship, Poland). Methods In the process of space shaping there are very important designing treatments; material become design treatments, which are intended to stimulate sensory inputs. This process greatly improves the mental and physical health of users of a given space. Research on public space shows that an important mental health benefit is a deep feeling of space (proprioception). It is a key to create the safe urban interiors, which are meeting with the needs of society. Results During the research there were performed analysis of spatial forms, perceptual phenomenology and landscape of the city by category of genius loci (Ch. Norberg Schulz), which became a base to made a model of urban spaces that provides to users a sense of comfort and safety. For the analysis there were also used acoustic maps in the form of WMS provided by General Directorate for National Roads and Highways. Conclusions At the successful process of transformation, adaptation or designing of public spaces it is necessary to encourage as many as is it possible human senses. Thus, the user has the ability to identify with the place and recognize it as their own. Even the best organized space is unusable and worthless without customers, their thoughts, ideas, hopes, memories because they give meaning and significance and build real value of the place. That is why there is so important to have aware of the impact for designers, who arrange space by stimulating the human sensory zone.