“Slow Your Motions” Interventions in Urban Spaces Towards a Livable Neighborhood: Case Study of Hamm-Nord, Germany

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between the concepts of a livable neighborhood and human perception. A literature review was carried out in order to collect and summarize the positive and negative effects urban structure, such as color, materials, and rhythm, might have on the users. A positive human perception can be achieved through an adapted design of neighborhoods in order to contribute to their livability. In addition, slowing down the movement and improving the pedestrian's perception through urban planning methods may lower the stress level, increase the use of public space, and even help the neighborhood economy. The proposal was developed entirely as an academic project part of the Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Planning master program (HafenCity University) towards a livable neighborhood project in Hamm-Nord, Hamburg, Germany. Interviews and surveys with the inhabitants were carried out to explore the effects of how urban design can affect the human perception and change their experience. Therefore, this study proposes that the speed of pedestrian movement can be slowed down by improving pedestrian connections, increasing interaction between different users and visual stimulation as urban interventions to increase the quality of life and affect their perception by applying ideas derivative from the livable neighborhood concept.