Application of Principle of Network Connectivity in Creation of Sustainable Urban Form: Case of Negombo Water Fronts

Abstract

City is a vital organism that entitled with the diverse planning attempts. Blue green infrastructure planning is the one of attempt which has been practised recently. Mainly the Blue Infrastructure Planning involves with the four major core principles of Green-Grey Integration, Network connectivity, multifunctionality and social inclusion. The principle of network connectivity has been considered in the research and it involves with the both structural and functional connections between blue green spaces in order to create added values from an interlinked system. Numerous quantative approaches have been developed to measure and map the connectivity. Measures of structural connectivity are based on the concepts of presence or absence or the size, form and shape of corridors. Initially, connectivity was calculated using the various indices of distance, frequency and density. The research finding has been adopted in Negombo Development Plan 2018–2030 which is formulated by Urban Development Authority. It adheres with the strategic planning approach with the use of diverse methods of multy criteria analysis techniques, field surveys, observation and key formal interviews to integrate the blue green spaces of the city with the purpose of enhancing the sectoral tourism, recreation and self-sufficient affluent city economy connecting the all blue spaces of urban waterfronts. The research attempts to find how the network connectivity influence to reinforce a sustainable urban form in the city and activate the networks of green and blue spaces with full spectrum of benefits to denizens and the journeyrs at all spatial scales that enable to open a positive platform to merge with the emerging urban challenges of the city and ultimately it influences to show the creation of sustainable urban form in Negombo with the integration of blue-green networks and considerable positive outcomes.