This research proposal aims to investigate urban residents' perceptions of nature in Pune, India. The study will use qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping to understand how residents define nature, identify natural spaces they interact with, and determine how landscape elements and demographics influence connections to nature. The findings could help inform urban planning strategies to promote greater engagement with nature. The study is significant because understanding residents' views of nature can help design more meaningful and beneficial urban environments.
1. RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE- I
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Topic: Exploring meaning of nature
and its connectedness in urban
residents- case of Pune
Isha S. Chiplunkar
Third Year B. Arch., BKPS College of Architecture, Pune
Guide: Dr. Abhijit Natu
2. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
Introduction
• Scenes of nature have shown improvements in cognitive and executive attention,
which can improve task focus and reduces the effects of unwanted distractions.
• It is a well known fact that visual scenes containing nature have been found to
influence temporal perception, whereby exposure to natural elements creates the
perception of peace and happiness to mind.
• But rampant urbanization of cities around the world has led to a growing disconnect
between humans and nature, as concrete jungles replace natural habitats
• Hence finding elements considered as “nature” by urban residents, where and how
often and effortlessly they get a chance to interact with nature may be helpful while
bringing nature into designed urban settings
3. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Aim
To investigate Pune’s urban residents’ idea of nature and identifying their
places of interaction with nature
Objectives
To investigate urban residents’ idea/ perception of the term
“nature”
To identify landscape elements constituting residents’ idea of
nature in their day-to-day life
To identify the places of human nature interface in day-to-day life
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
4. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Research Questions
What is the meaning of “nature” for the urban residents?
Where do they find this nature in their day to day lives?
Do the demographics of open space users and the
distribution of open spaces within a region influence
connections?
What are the landscape elements that constitute to peoples’
perception of nature?
How does the urban/ rural background of childhood affect
the meaning/ connection to nature in adult life?
Hypothesis
……
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
5. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Significance
• By exploring how urban residents in Pune perceive and connect with
nature, the study can shed light on the ways in which urban
environments can be designed and managed to promote
greater human-nature interaction and well-being.
• An architectural design will be meaningful if it satisfy needs of the
community. Similarly, the design of environment around the structure
will be meaningful if it caters to needs/ aspirations of the its
users.
• The research can have practical implications for urban planning and
policy. By understanding peoples’ perception and identifying the
factors that influence urban residents' connection with nature, the
study can inform the development of strategies and interventions
to promote greater engagement with nature in urban
environments.
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
6. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Methodology
Qualitative study in form of face to face interview to explore the subjective experiences of
residents and their relationship with nature.
Cognitive mapping
Who is studied?
The random sampling of people between age to living in urban residences residing in
various areas of the city
The study is carried out at a single instance i.e., cross-sectional study
Unit of Analysis- residents of Pune
Independent variable- landscape characteristics of urban neighbourhood
Dependent variable-perception of nature, nature connectedness
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
7. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Scope
The study has a scope to reveal which landscape elements do people perceive as nature in an
urban context
The study would help understand the impact of urbanization on people's connection to nature
The research will help in designing more relevant spaces while planning urban surroundings
Limitation
• This research is restricted to the urban residential settlement in Pune city only
• Only adults are involved in this study as samples
• It is a cross sectional study
8. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
Expected outcome
• Acquiring data about which landscape elements do people consider as nature in urban
context
• Findings about reality of human nature interface in urban areas and the impact of
urbanization on urban residents’ nature connection
• Understanding the meaning of nature and its connectedness to urban residents in Pune
can help identify ways to enhance the health and well-being of the city's
residents
• Understanding what people consider as nature can help urban designers identify
opportunities to integrate nature in day-to-day life through urban planning.
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune
9. 1. Introduction
2. Aim & Objectives
3. Research Que
4. Hypothesis
5. Significance
6. Methodology
7. Variables
8. Scope & Limitations
9. Expected Outcome
10. References
References
Exploring meaning of nature and its connectedness in urban residents- case of Pune