Understanding urban green spaces through lenses of sensory experience: a case study of neighborhood parks in Dhaka city

Abstract

Physical, psychological, and emotional stress are common in today’s Dhaka city, which can be intense or sensory excruciating. Urban green space is considered a healthy environment for mental repair and well-being in urban domains. The senses (vision, touch, sound, smell, and taste) are essential in interpreting and experiencing the place and city. Therefore, the sensory experience is a multimodal awareness of environment that can impact users’ health, pleasure, and emotions. This paper aims to methodically explore the intricate sensory fabric and spatial components responsible for users’ sensory experiences that are necessary for planning and designing healthier neighborhood parks. This paper outlines the methods and findings of the study conducted in two parks in Dhaka city’s distinct neighborhoods at different times of the day and week to record users’ activity patterns and sensory experiences. Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan and Tajmahal Road Park, Mohammadpur, were chosen as the study locations to be investigated. The analysis comprised a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as ethnographic research and on-site observation, geographical mapping, surveys, and walk-along interviews to capture subjective and objective sensory data and daily rhythms of neighborhood park users. The results suggest that all senses are essential in building healthy, inclusive urban green spaces.