Towards place-sensitive urban interventions:an examination of the significant characteristics of place in selected urban nodes in Colombo

Abstract

"place"is a concept that has received recent attention among architects,planers and urban designers.It is seen as a useful concept to exmine and to be employed for planned interventions in the built-environment.place is a spatial entity as well as a social-psychological entity.Its characteristics therefore are intertwines with these aspects.What are the significant refinements of these characteristics that will elevate the quality of places and transform them to memorable cherished places?This was a research question that prompted an inquiry into the urban spaces wherby an attempt was made to recognize and emphasize the significant characteristics of place that will enable place-sensitive planned interventions in jthe city.The study based in examined in detail the characteristics of two selected places that mark them special and significant.The study proposes a theoretical consturct of those characteristics that must be enhanced in planned interventions.