Redesigning Urban Flow: An Emotion Intervention for Colour Walk

Abstract

This research examines the role of the "Colour Walk" as an emotionally designed walkway that can improve people's emotional perceptions of urban flow and increase their appreciation for public spaces. In doing so, this research challenges the conventional urban pedestrian space for prioritising efficiency at the expense of emotional experience. By using sensory and affective design principles and colour psychology, the researcher will investigate the degree to which different colour sequences, ground markings, and other visual cues can elicit emotions; create safe environments; and encourage restorative experiences. The research uses a case study methodology to examine participant's pre-exposure and post-exposure emotional responses to the Colour Walk and what they found memorable about their experiences in terms of feelings of calmness, joy, safety, and curiosity. The research objectives are to develop design principles for emotionally driven colour interventions in urban wayfinding; connect colour schemes to spatial arrangements, and provide a methodological framework for enhancing pedestrian experiences through visual communications with the built urban environment. Ultimately, this research will endeavour to merge sensory and emotional design into the process of urban place-making by illustrating how colour influences emotional engagement in urban public spaces.

Keywords: Colour Walk Intervention, Emotional Design, Urban Experience, Affective Visual Communication, Sensory Urban Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007639