The Aesthetics of Street Environment and Link to Street Activities in Leeds (Abstract)

The objective of the research is to analyze the link between aesthetics of street environment and street activity. It is important to understand why individuals are fond of a certain condition of street environment and enjoy walking or making activity around the street.

Over the past decade, there has been decrease in using walk as private transport mode. Therefore, one of the most significant current discussions in transportation and sustainability area is whether the street environment, in which people walk and do activity, has already encountered the needs of them as a human being.

To answer this question, a qualitative approach has been conducted and designed to understand human problem, based on a complete holistic picture formed with words, detailed views of informants, and its natural background. The work has been undertaken by two types of interview, ‘On-site interviews and image presentation interviews’. Unprompted and open-ended question have been applied. In addition to this subjective method, the usage of Walkability Checklist as a survey instrument has enabled the opportunity for a subjective and qualitative assessment against chosen aesthetics characteristics. A study site has been selected along the Woodhouse Lane/A660 Corridor characterized by heavy pedestrian flow, especially student.

One important finding of this research is a strong link between three Aesthetics characteristics with the decision to do activity on foot, namely: (1) compatibility of buildings with the surrounding, (2) the presence of preserved greenery, and (3) the existence of street Furniture that reflect the sense of comfort, safety and security. Managed traffic and pedestrian provision are two other important factors that support the aesthetics of street environment. Hence, better Aesthetics will lead to various activities, other than the necessary, on streets.

Finally, the result shows the implications that there is a potential return of Aesthetics on our street by investment on walking environment and empowerment of community. In addition, relevant policies are suggested to authorities to enhance the pedestrian environment.