Aim of literature review

Public squares are more than just physical spaces; they have symbolic meaning for people. They are vibrant, active and interesting places. Most of the contemporary urban squares involve a historical value or importance for the community, as well as for the tourists and visitors. Urban squares are open public spaces which reflect the city’s identity and the cultural background.

It provides a platform for people to relax, sit, read a book, play games, meet with friends as well as used for ceremonies, rituals, political activities, musical events, even theatre, and as marketplace.

Based on different contexts and locality the functions and activities associated with it vary accordingly. Physical factors like enclosures, scale, proportions of the square, attractions, amenities, etc. also plays a vital role.

Aim of literature review

The intent of the literature review is to understand the Image, identity, typology, form, role, and function of squares. This chapter will also give an insight of understanding the cultural influence, behavioural pattern of people and impact of squares.

Several books, articles and research paper are referred in order to understand, analyse the importance of urban squares in society and also influential features of public spaces. The literature embraces relevant studies from different disciplines; the diversity of study helps to gain information to investigate and explore. The content in the literature review here can be categorised in these broad categories-

2.1 Imageability, identity and elements of the City

This part includes study from “Image of the City” book by Kevin Lynch. Image, identity, perception of space by an individual, elements of the city and factors governing those elements are studied under these chapters.

2.2 Evolution of Public squares in terms of history, identity and form

The evolution and development of square from Greek and Roman era till the date is studied along with understanding the development of form, functions and identity.

2.3 Role of Public square

The role of square, its impact on a larger context as well as regional context is studied.

2.4 Typologies of square

Different types of squares in different contexts are studied.

2.1 Imageabilty, identity and elements of the City

In the vast canvas of the city, there is always more than the eye can see, more than ear can hear, much more to explore and experience. Every citizen has had long associations with some part of his city, and his image is soaked in memories and meanings. Kevin Lynch in his book “Image

of the city” mentions ‘Legibility’ as one important visual quality aspect. It says elements in the city- Districts or landmarks or pathways are easily identifiable and are easily grouped into an over-all pattern.

This image is the mixture both of immediate sensation, feeling and of the memory of past experience, and it is used to interpret information and to guide action. A vivid and integrated physical setting, capable of producing a sharp image, plays a social role as well. Common memories of the "home town" were often the first and easiest point of contact between two strangers. Therefore, a distinctive and legible environment not only offers security but also heightens the potential depth and intensity of human experience.

In the present times, the cities, towns lack the positive values of legible surrounding like emotional satisfaction, the framework for communication or conceptual organisation, that new depths it brings in daily life experience. Environmental Image is a two way process between observer and environment. The observer selects, organises and endows the surrounding for his own purpose and adapt accordingly.

An environmental image is analysed in three components-

a) Identification of object- Distinction, recognisable as a separate entity form other. b) Structure – Pattern of relation of object with observer and other objects c) Meaning- This object must have some meaning for the observer, whether practical or emotional.

The image should preferably be open-ended, adaptable to change, allowing the individual to continue to investigate and organize reality: there should be blank spaces where he can extend the drawing for himself. (Lynch, The Image of The City, 1990). In the physical environment, Imageability, can be defined as; that quality in a physical object which gives it a high probability of evoking a strong image in any given observer. It is that shape, colour, or arrangement which facilitates the making of vividly identified, powerfully structured, highly useful mental images of the environment.

According to Kevin Lynch, city image referable to physical forms can be classified into 5 categories:-