Solitude for Urban Dwellers through "Urban Blue Spaces" in Colombo

Abstract

Many urban dwellers are suffering from various psychological issues due to the lack of solitude. Previous research has found that Blue Spaces have more potential to promote solitude among people when compared to other natural settings. This is because of the attraction that humans have towards water and the ability of water to trigger restful involuntary attention, which in turn helps to promote solitude. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify the characteristics/attributes of Urban Blue Space (UBS) that promotes solitude, in the context of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three cases namely Mt. Lavinia beach, Diyawanna lake and South West Beira lake are selected and analysed using a mixed method of research such as observations, on-site photographs, questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Findings indicated that physical attributes of water such as fluidity, sound, lighting and accessibility, the physical attributes of space such as being away, extent, soft fascination and compatibility are the factors that mainly contribute to an enhanced experience of solitude among urban dwellers. Site conditions also have an impact to a certain extent, as they help to create favourable settings in which people can seek solitude. These findings will contribute towards better design and management of UBS in the future.