Literally a salve for sore eyes

Ishara JAYAWARDANE 

Remember those old science fiction movies about futuristic cities with amazing architecture and innovations? Well today you don’t have to walk into a video store. One needs only to take a bus ride in Colombo to see the city being transformed into a scene of a sci-fi. Just go to Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha and see a majestic creation of mankind.

The Garden City Concept is based on the self evident truth that people like to see greenery. Citizens as well as tourists like to see greenery. Not only is it a self evident truth, it is essential. That is why there is a need for a ‘green city’ within this urbanized setting. This also has a practical benefit. It minimizes pollution, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Colombo is a city with a huge population with tons of carbon dioxide being released on a daily basis. With an increase in population, the situation has reached a critical point.

“Within a concrete jungle and amidst air pollution, people like to see a natural environment: water ways, greenery and animals. The Urban Development Authority is collaborating with the Ministry of Defense and the Colombo Municipal Council in this endeavour. Demolishing parapets is one salient feature of the concept. These parapets bar the view of the city. Both parties: parapet wall owners and the CMC together with the UDA are tearing down walls,” says Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardhane.

Jayawardhane further explains that nothing is ‘too’ expensive when it comes to the development of the city. As long as the people want more greenery it must be provided. The people want a beautiful and facilitating city. She said that, if both government and private sector and people want to live in a healthy and safe city then immediate steps must be taken to provide this. “We as the CMC don’t have the required labour and some facilities like vehicles and equipments. The defense personnel are supporting us to develop the city,” saiy Jayawardhane. 

Although the CMC has no jurisdiction over land owned by the private sector, it is more than willing to lend their support to any private sector owner who wishes to demolish their parapet walls. “There are no security issues involved because the country is free from terrorism. The walls are torn down with the consent of the owner.”

“A number of cities in other countries have a tendency to go green. Modern cities, for example cities in America, do not have parapet walls. They open their environment to the public. Our city is free from garbage problems; our city is much cleaner than it was. The Garden City Concept is practiced in many cities in many countries. Trees are grown and landscaping is well-planned,” explains Jayawardhane. 

Because of walls the vision of the pedestrian is obstructed. The view of children’s playgrounds and government agencies with vast property were obstructed. After the breaking down of these walls we can now see children engaged in play and open spaces. The previous view which was a small restricted city is now changed into a wide expanse.

“Colombo can be a model city for the rest of the country. Colombo city limits are only 36 square kilometres,” says Jayawardhane. “I have responsibility for only 36 square kilometres, Colombo 1 - 15. Beyond that it is the urban council or municipal councils’ job,” concluded Jayawardhane.

Municipal Commission-er Bhadrani Jayaward-hane. Picture by Ishara Jayawardane

Psychologist Dr Priyanga De Zoysa

Greenery has a calming, soothing effect on the mind. One will easily notice a more peaceful calm and a more energetic feeling when going to an area predominantly green. 

“This is a feeling as opposed to a person going to an environment that is predominantly concrete and cement,” explains Psychologist Dr Priyanga De Zoysa. In a concrete environment the feeling is uncomfortable and different from that which one feels surrounded by greenery. Bringing green into the concrete environment will make one feel calmer and more energized, and it has a healthy as well as positive psychological effects. There is a general feeling of wellness,” says Dr Priyanga De Zoysa. 

He explained that wisely ‘positioning’ green in a way that suits a person’s mind and body will have an added effect. This has something to do with nature where you have trees, wind, more open spaces and water. This has a pleasant effect on the mind. When mind is pleasant blood sugar and pressure is regulated. Stress is reduces. And a sense of happiness and calmness pervades the mind. If the architecture of a cement and concrete enclosure is of a soothing nature then it is for the benefit of its inhabitants. Giving a unique ‘feel’ to the mind and body depends on how both are blended.

“The majority of people spend their lives travelling either to work or for some other purpose. And the remainder is spent indoors. The opportunity of living in a green city gives people the opportunity of experiencing the greenery and a ‘refreshing’ feeling while travelling. The availability of more green area will enable people to go on with their day to day life more relaxed and happy.

Breaking down of walls also comes with another plus point many are unaware of. If there are more open areas people will be encouraged to walk and spend their evenings outdoors. This has a direct effect on health and wellbeing. “A human being will feel that he or she is one with nature when there is open room: sky, trees and water improving ones potential,” explains Dr De Zoysa.