The Role of Non-visual Sense in the Quality of Pedestrian Space

Nowadays, one of the major concerns of architects and urban designers is the revival of pedestrian life in cities which has been eliminated due to dominant focuses on motorists. Fundamental principles of urban space organization are based on the citizen needs. Since different sense level of each group (pedestrians and motorists) are involved, the exploration and explanation of the factors that affect the perception of each groups, would be essential. Since the most significant sense is the sense of sight, non-visual senses are neglected by designers. As the pedestrians walk with a range of active senses (tactile, auditory, olfactory and visual) considering the extent to which extent the city space is tangible or audible seems to be necessary.                                                                               By attendance of the citizens in the city space, the urban scale changes and spaces are enclosed within. So this close interaction provides a favorable context for the appearance of other senses.  By recognizing non-visual qualities which are important in urban spaces and utilizing them in appropriate ways, the vitality and liveliness among pedestrians will eventually be promoted. Therefore, engaging all the senses in perception of a space can lead to the improvement of sense of place. This article tries to consider the differences between the perception of pedestrians and motorists via their environment regarding the key role of non-visual senses on perception of citizens and it also tries to express some strategies to stimulate all senses of pedestrians in public urban spaces.