Restorative theory offers valuable insights into the ambient characteristics of those environment... more Restorative theory offers valuable insights into the ambient characteristics of those environments which might provide respite from the stresses and strains of city life. This paper adds to the limited number of previous studies on the restorative qualities of favourite places in the city. It draws from a pilot study examining favourite places in Greater Manchester, England, and utilising qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, participant drawings and direct observations to illustrate the perceptions of a sample of Manchester residents. Although influenced by factors of geography in their selection, participants’ favourite places in the city are found consistent with the four components of restorative environmental theory (being away, fascination, extent and scope, and compatibility) and as having positive effects on these individuals. The findings indicate that favourite places play an important role in providing restorative experiences in cities and suggest related characteristics should be considered more fully in city planning.
Policies to decarbonize heat provision involve the diffusion of low carbon thermal technologies (... more Policies to decarbonize heat provision involve the diffusion of low carbon thermal technologies (e.g. ground-source heat pumps and wood pellet boilers). In domestic buildings, such efforts presume the compatibility of novel technologies with practices of home-making, in terms of comfort, cosiness and sociability. However, research on engagement with low carbon technologies post-installation is limited, particularly with older adults, a growing social group in an ageing society. This study explores how older adults living with low carbon thermal technologies represent thermal comfort, drawing on in-depth interviews in diverse UK home environments (owner-occupied and rented; extra-care, sheltered and care homes; urban and rural). Findings indicate that cosiness and glow are highly valued by and for older adults, and achieved in diverse ways that may run counter to policy goals. In owner-occupied, rural homes, wood-burning stoves were retained after installation of under-floor heating/heat pumps to provide a visible glow and hospitality to guests. In care homes, fake fireplaces provide cosiness and glow without compromising concerns about risk. The research suggests that presumed emissions savings from the deployment of low carbon heating technologies may be overestimated, as home-making practices lead to the supplementing of these devices to provide comfort, cosiness and sociability.
Eco-Art has recently emerged as a potential means to place emphasis on environmental issues such ... more Eco-Art has recently emerged as a potential means to place emphasis on environmental issues such as climate change, recycling and the metabolism of the city experienced both materially and conceptually within local, regional and global contexts. Such art presents the possibility of shaping civic practices in arenas beyond those of traditional planning domains. Adopting a pragmatic approach, which recognises the contextual pluralism that exists in debates regarding climate change, this paper is interested in how Eco-Art projects encourage the re-imagining of urban spaces within the context of sustainability, and flows of materials and the recycling of plastic in art specifically.
Abstract: Existing sensory design literature indicates that architectural and urban design practi... more Abstract: Existing sensory design literature indicates that architectural and urban design practices are creating spaces that fail to deliver on non-visual experience. New technologies provide opportunities to measure specific environmental characteristics and human response to them. Similarly, new environmental design evaluation tools have been developed. Yet to date, few empirical studies have applied these in assessing the interface between humans and the designed environment, limiting discussion regarding their potential use in urban and architectural design practice. This paper outlines the findings of two pilot studies (i) in Hanley, Stoke, England, and (ii) the Neues Museum, Berlin, Germany, and introduces a hybrid method with potential to enhance understanding of the relationship between humans and sensory urban and architecturally designed space. The results suggest different emotional and sensory profiles according to urban typology and spatial characteristics and indicate that further understanding in this area would assist in realising more humanistic architectural design.
This paper examines the role of expectation of two different aspects of urban ambiance (smell and... more This paper examines the role of expectation of two different aspects of urban ambiance (smell and sound), on people's experiences and perceptions of urban environments. It draws from two separate sensewalking studies of English cities. The first, examining expectations of odor in Doncaster, Manchester, Sheffield and London: the second, expectations of soundscapes in Manchester and London. In drawing from these investigations, sensory expectations are found highly influential in urban place experience and perception, providing different layers of meaning and understanding of place. Furthermore, perceptions of odors and sounds themselves (their detection and mental processing) are also revealed as influenced by the environmental context within which they are, or are not, detected.
Contemporary professional built environmental practices are dominated by considerations of the vi... more Contemporary professional built environmental practices are dominated by considerations of the visual and auditory with little direct thought being given to the role and experiencing of the olfactory in the regeneration and re-development of urban environments. The human body is however a fully sensing organism and draws from olfactory clues in the experiencing and cognitive processing of towns and cities and the streets, squares and spaces within them.
In recent years, sensewalking has developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and/or cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method, which can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, thus offers a potentially useful means of investigating and analysing the everyday urban olfactory experience of place.
Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper explores the use of sensewalking as a method for investigating the olfactory environment of towns and cities and argues that sensewalking provides a valuable means of understanding the olfactory contribution to place, providing valuable insights into the physical and social environment. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing of place, and of interest to researchers and town and city managers alike, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
This article considers the impact of street prostitution on space and place with particular refer... more This article considers the impact of street prostitution on space and place with particular reference to Doncaster town centre
In recent years, sensewalking has been developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of ... more In recent years, sensewalking has been developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, where the investigation and analysis of everyday experiences are argued as important and necessary in gaining valuable insights into the physical and social environment. The characteristics of the physical space within which the method is implemented has the potential to impact greatly upon the experiencing of that environment, the data collected and the resulting overall findings of the research and therefore warrants careful consideration. Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper includes practical examples of experiences gained whilst undertaking sensory research in the urban environment and argues that there are many important considerations and decisions to be made, not to mention pitfalls to be avoided, when defining the criteria for and planning the route of a sensory walk. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing and interpretation of the environment by the researcher, or by research participants, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
Contemporary planning, architecture and urban design practices are dominated by considerations of... more Contemporary planning, architecture and urban design practices are dominated by considerations of the ‘noble’ senses of the visual and auditory with little thought being given to the role and experiencing of the olfactory in the regeneration and re-development of urban environments. The human body is however a fully sensing organism and just as an individual would consider the sense of smell in assessing a product or item of food, they draw from olfactory clues in their cognitive processing and development of opinions of towns and cities and the streets, squares and spaces within them.
This paper explores influencing factors in the everyday olfactory experiencing of place, drawing from a series of olfactory walks and interviews with residents, business people and built environment professionals in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and sensory walks and interviews with residents in Sheffield, Manchester and London. Through consideration of the varying experiences and perceptions of urban smellscapes, the olfactory sense is shown to have an important part to play in place identity and place making, offering city leaders and built environment professionals a valuable tool in enhancing the physical experience of being in a city.
Restorative theory offers valuable insights into the ambient characteristics of those environment... more Restorative theory offers valuable insights into the ambient characteristics of those environments which might provide respite from the stresses and strains of city life. This paper adds to the limited number of previous studies on the restorative qualities of favourite places in the city. It draws from a pilot study examining favourite places in Greater Manchester, England, and utilising qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, participant drawings and direct observations to illustrate the perceptions of a sample of Manchester residents. Although influenced by factors of geography in their selection, participants’ favourite places in the city are found consistent with the four components of restorative environmental theory (being away, fascination, extent and scope, and compatibility) and as having positive effects on these individuals. The findings indicate that favourite places play an important role in providing restorative experiences in cities and suggest related characteristics should be considered more fully in city planning.
Policies to decarbonize heat provision involve the diffusion of low carbon thermal technologies (... more Policies to decarbonize heat provision involve the diffusion of low carbon thermal technologies (e.g. ground-source heat pumps and wood pellet boilers). In domestic buildings, such efforts presume the compatibility of novel technologies with practices of home-making, in terms of comfort, cosiness and sociability. However, research on engagement with low carbon technologies post-installation is limited, particularly with older adults, a growing social group in an ageing society. This study explores how older adults living with low carbon thermal technologies represent thermal comfort, drawing on in-depth interviews in diverse UK home environments (owner-occupied and rented; extra-care, sheltered and care homes; urban and rural). Findings indicate that cosiness and glow are highly valued by and for older adults, and achieved in diverse ways that may run counter to policy goals. In owner-occupied, rural homes, wood-burning stoves were retained after installation of under-floor heating/heat pumps to provide a visible glow and hospitality to guests. In care homes, fake fireplaces provide cosiness and glow without compromising concerns about risk. The research suggests that presumed emissions savings from the deployment of low carbon heating technologies may be overestimated, as home-making practices lead to the supplementing of these devices to provide comfort, cosiness and sociability.
Eco-Art has recently emerged as a potential means to place emphasis on environmental issues such ... more Eco-Art has recently emerged as a potential means to place emphasis on environmental issues such as climate change, recycling and the metabolism of the city experienced both materially and conceptually within local, regional and global contexts. Such art presents the possibility of shaping civic practices in arenas beyond those of traditional planning domains. Adopting a pragmatic approach, which recognises the contextual pluralism that exists in debates regarding climate change, this paper is interested in how Eco-Art projects encourage the re-imagining of urban spaces within the context of sustainability, and flows of materials and the recycling of plastic in art specifically.
Abstract: Existing sensory design literature indicates that architectural and urban design practi... more Abstract: Existing sensory design literature indicates that architectural and urban design practices are creating spaces that fail to deliver on non-visual experience. New technologies provide opportunities to measure specific environmental characteristics and human response to them. Similarly, new environmental design evaluation tools have been developed. Yet to date, few empirical studies have applied these in assessing the interface between humans and the designed environment, limiting discussion regarding their potential use in urban and architectural design practice. This paper outlines the findings of two pilot studies (i) in Hanley, Stoke, England, and (ii) the Neues Museum, Berlin, Germany, and introduces a hybrid method with potential to enhance understanding of the relationship between humans and sensory urban and architecturally designed space. The results suggest different emotional and sensory profiles according to urban typology and spatial characteristics and indicate that further understanding in this area would assist in realising more humanistic architectural design.
This paper examines the role of expectation of two different aspects of urban ambiance (smell and... more This paper examines the role of expectation of two different aspects of urban ambiance (smell and sound), on people's experiences and perceptions of urban environments. It draws from two separate sensewalking studies of English cities. The first, examining expectations of odor in Doncaster, Manchester, Sheffield and London: the second, expectations of soundscapes in Manchester and London. In drawing from these investigations, sensory expectations are found highly influential in urban place experience and perception, providing different layers of meaning and understanding of place. Furthermore, perceptions of odors and sounds themselves (their detection and mental processing) are also revealed as influenced by the environmental context within which they are, or are not, detected.
Contemporary professional built environmental practices are dominated by considerations of the vi... more Contemporary professional built environmental practices are dominated by considerations of the visual and auditory with little direct thought being given to the role and experiencing of the olfactory in the regeneration and re-development of urban environments. The human body is however a fully sensing organism and draws from olfactory clues in the experiencing and cognitive processing of towns and cities and the streets, squares and spaces within them.
In recent years, sensewalking has developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and/or cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method, which can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, thus offers a potentially useful means of investigating and analysing the everyday urban olfactory experience of place.
Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper explores the use of sensewalking as a method for investigating the olfactory environment of towns and cities and argues that sensewalking provides a valuable means of understanding the olfactory contribution to place, providing valuable insights into the physical and social environment. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing of place, and of interest to researchers and town and city managers alike, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
This article considers the impact of street prostitution on space and place with particular refer... more This article considers the impact of street prostitution on space and place with particular reference to Doncaster town centre
In recent years, sensewalking has been developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of ... more In recent years, sensewalking has been developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, where the investigation and analysis of everyday experiences are argued as important and necessary in gaining valuable insights into the physical and social environment. The characteristics of the physical space within which the method is implemented has the potential to impact greatly upon the experiencing of that environment, the data collected and the resulting overall findings of the research and therefore warrants careful consideration. Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper includes practical examples of experiences gained whilst undertaking sensory research in the urban environment and argues that there are many important considerations and decisions to be made, not to mention pitfalls to be avoided, when defining the criteria for and planning the route of a sensory walk. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing and interpretation of the environment by the researcher, or by research participants, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
Contemporary planning, architecture and urban design practices are dominated by considerations of... more Contemporary planning, architecture and urban design practices are dominated by considerations of the ‘noble’ senses of the visual and auditory with little thought being given to the role and experiencing of the olfactory in the regeneration and re-development of urban environments. The human body is however a fully sensing organism and just as an individual would consider the sense of smell in assessing a product or item of food, they draw from olfactory clues in their cognitive processing and development of opinions of towns and cities and the streets, squares and spaces within them.
This paper explores influencing factors in the everyday olfactory experiencing of place, drawing from a series of olfactory walks and interviews with residents, business people and built environment professionals in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and sensory walks and interviews with residents in Sheffield, Manchester and London. Through consideration of the varying experiences and perceptions of urban smellscapes, the olfactory sense is shown to have an important part to play in place identity and place making, offering city leaders and built environment professionals a valuable tool in enhancing the physical experience of being in a city.
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In recent years, sensewalking has developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and/or cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method, which can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, thus offers a potentially useful means of investigating and analysing the everyday urban olfactory experience of place.
Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper explores the use of sensewalking as a method for investigating the olfactory environment of towns and cities and argues that sensewalking provides a valuable means of understanding the olfactory contribution to place, providing valuable insights into the physical and social environment. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing of place, and of interest to researchers and town and city managers alike, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
This paper explores influencing factors in the everyday olfactory experiencing of place, drawing from a series of olfactory walks and interviews with residents, business people and built environment professionals in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and sensory walks and interviews with residents in Sheffield, Manchester and London. Through consideration of the varying experiences and perceptions of urban smellscapes, the olfactory sense is shown to have an important part to play in place identity and place making, offering city leaders and built environment professionals a valuable tool in enhancing the physical experience of being in a city.
In recent years, sensewalking has developed as a qualitative method of exploring aspects of the physical and/or cognitive experience of being within a particular, often urban, environment. The method, which can be located within feminist and ecological epistemologies, thus offers a potentially useful means of investigating and analysing the everyday urban olfactory experience of place.
Drawing from the experience of carrying out a series of olfactory walks with research participants in the town centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this paper explores the use of sensewalking as a method for investigating the olfactory environment of towns and cities and argues that sensewalking provides a valuable means of understanding the olfactory contribution to place, providing valuable insights into the physical and social environment. Of relevance to research involving the bodily experiencing of place, and of interest to researchers and town and city managers alike, the authors will offer insights into epistemological and practical issues that are likely to be experienced as part of the journey.
This paper explores influencing factors in the everyday olfactory experiencing of place, drawing from a series of olfactory walks and interviews with residents, business people and built environment professionals in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and sensory walks and interviews with residents in Sheffield, Manchester and London. Through consideration of the varying experiences and perceptions of urban smellscapes, the olfactory sense is shown to have an important part to play in place identity and place making, offering city leaders and built environment professionals a valuable tool in enhancing the physical experience of being in a city.