TYPO-MORPHOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION OF URBAN SPACE

Abstract

Urban morphologists intuitively understand and abstract patterns and elements of cities. Typo-morphology is an approach in urban morphology that classifies urban elements by their morphological characteristics. This paper discusses how the urban form affects different perceptual modalities. Vision is the dominant sense in humans, and the predominant focus in architecture and urban design. Visual perception is enhanced when supported by related auditory cues and vice versa. Sounds provide an important link to reality, are enriching and protective. We pay more attention to sources we can hear but not see, for example a car approaching from behind. Without sound, visual perception is less contrast and less informative. Urban design can be understood as the art of arranging urban elements, such as streets, buildings, sidewalks, urban furniture, vegetation etc. to meet human needs. It is important for urban designers to understand the urban form in the context of environmental perception and cognition related to the urban space for informed urban design.