Shanza Safdar

B-22712

04-10-21

LITERATURE REVIEW ON
URBAN PLANNING

VITALITY PARAMETERS
A. Functionality Parameters
i. Accessibility
Accessibility defines approach of the site. It should be designed well that it is
easily approachable by all types of users. There should be designated areas
for both private and public transport as well as the pedestrian walkways.
The pathways should be 4’ minimum and 8’ maximum.

ii. Convenience
Convenience describes the ease of access to the site. It can be achieved by
defining clear paths for entry and exits points. The vehicular access must be
provided away from the core of the site.
iii. Climate Comfort
Climate comfort is an important factor in creating a comfortable shopping
zone. We can achieve this through shading devices, vegetation and resting
areas so that shopping gets more easier and enjoyable.
 iv. Equipments and Furniture
Equipments and street furniture can be used to create a user friendly
environment. These include benches, trash bins, street lights and most
importantly direction sign boards.
v. Space Fluency
Space fluency requires proper planning to provide a space with a perfect
flow that is free from barriers and visual hinderance. It must have street
connections with easy mobility.

B. Visual Parameters
i. Visual continuity
Visual continuity defines one level surface. Users prefer to travel
horizontally rather than vertically thus this develops a sense of continuity
and increases the liveliness of the market.

ii. Visibility
Visibility is important factor because dark places can create a negative effect
on the market environment. To keep the ambiance of the place it is
important to lit the areas properly. For a regular sized retail shop it is
important to provide 400-500 lux amount of light. For a street light 6 lux per
meter is required.
iii. Legibility
Legibility is the quality of being clear enough to read. This includes signage
and directions for all the spaces provided in the market place.

iv. Isomorphic Structures

Isomorphic structured are the structures that are similar in form and shape
from the inside and out. To break isomorphism is it necessary to add
diversity in the market place by design or adding features that reflect
diversion even through using different shapes and colours.

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 v. Human Scale
Human scale means dimensions that are usable by human beings. These
things include benches, resting areas, street furniture, vegetation etc. 10%
area is the minimum requirement for the side walkways.

C. Social Parameters
i. The main purpose for social parameters is to make sure the spaces that are
dead are given life to. Negative space creates a blank spot which hinders the
continuity of path.
ii. The main space is divided in 3, necessary activities , optional activities and
social activities.
iii. Include pause spaces such as stops, resting places, benches and social
activities.
iv. The placement of proper entrance and exit is necessary.

D. Cultural Parameters
i. Incorporate privacy using vegetation or partition walls.
ii. Create noise barriers using vegetation.
iii. The resting areas should not be visible by street walkers.
iv. More open spaces to avoid congestion.
v. Material used must be vernacular and indigenous to create cultural values.
vi. Familiarity to users to feel at comfort and related to the space.
vii. Solitude creates distinction of spaces.