Landscape architecture

1. Topical Study
Urban Landscape Quality Index
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (ARC61403) TUTOR: MS
NORMAH
HENG RUI YING 0326639 | LAU HUI MING 0323827 | PRITIKA RAMA MOHAN 0327039 | NG JER VAIN 0326969 | ZOE LOW 0319444 | JUERGEN 0324228
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE BUILDING & DESIGN
BSC (HONS) IN ARCHITECTURE

2. 1.0 Introduction
1
2.0 Concept
2.1 Purpose of ULQI
2
2.2 Functionality
2
3.0 Universal Application of ULQI
3.1 Methodology
4
3.2 Example of Application
9
CONTENTS
5.0 Existing Context or Issues
5.1 Macro Site
18
5.2 Micro Site
21
6.0 Conclusion
24
7.0 References
25

3. What is an Urban Landscape?
Urban Landscape is a complex of measures to create and utilize greenery in populated areas. It is also the areas of greenery in
population centers. Greeneries has advantages which benefits the urban context as they can reduce wind velocity and limits
the spread of dust and aerosols. Planting greeneries in an urban design is an integral part of the layout, development, and
organization of public services.
What is Urban Landscape Quality Index?
Urban Landscape Quality Index known as ULQI is an indicator tool to map the quality of the landscape of an area. By detecting
the high and low qualities of life within the landscape. ULQI is used to test the health of the area, whether it is healthy enough
for the inhabitants to inhabit the landscape or not. This indicator tool is used to map the landscape quality within a city and
also used to theorise the urban planning and design of the city.
An indicator can be dealt with measurable and non-measurable phenomena. For example, CO2 emissions are measurable,
however the landscape qualities are more difficult to measure. Identifying the landscape quality is more on a subjective
approach. Nevertheless, the use of indicators are necessary to achieve comprehensive results and conclusion, it is possible to
assign landscape quality, either a numerical value or index to be dealt with.
1.0 Introduction
1

4. 2.0 Concept
2.1 Purpose of ULQI
The usage of the urban landscape quality index is used as a tool to study and improve the environment for the communities to
live in the area. It is said that the quality of life and landscape environmental quality are interdependent on one and another.
With the study of the landscape quality, it aids the future planning of a certain development to further consider different types
of land use conflicts which may affect the quality of life of the people. It is also used as a method to solve issues of an urban
area such as controlling urban sprawl and also prevents environmental deterioration. Therefore, this tool is useful to assist
the future planners to help shape the landscape and to also improve the quality of life within it.
2.2 Functionality
The measurement of ULQI can be subjective and objective, but are mainly based on visual perceptions. It is an easy tool to
assess the urban landscapes and requires a short amount of time period. A variety of method can be used to represent the
datas on a different scale analysis. In contrast, due to the usage of low resources and short time analysis, major arguments
regarding this method of visual evaluation were also debated. Due to it’s perceivability in a visual way, some of the datas may
be influenced by certain factors which may interfere with the assessment of the urban landscape quality. Hence, the method
of using an observation sheet and utilizing the landscape components are taken into consideration to ensure the
effectiveness of the collection of these datas.
2

5. 3.0 Universal Application of ULQI
To do the ULQI, it comes into 2 methods which are primary (subjective) and secondary (objective) ways. However ULQI mainly
uses the Subjective Approach to judge the landscape quality.
The subjective approach to do this method is a Visual Perception Method. This method is used to study and understand the
human needs and required services of the landscape. Most landscape visual assessments are made using photographs of the
landscape required to be assessed. However this is a more accurate method to identify the ULQI of a city.
To do this method we have to do:
1. Observation Sheet (Landscape Components Assessment)
2. Choose a sample methodology and scale of the analysis
3. Gather data using the observation sheet
4. Centralising and processing gathered data
5. Weight assignment for landscape components
6. Calculate ULQI
7. Map ULQI values for the entire city
3

6. 3.1.1 Observation Sheet
To start off with the Visual Perception method,
observational skills are needed by assessing the
Landscape Components (trees, roads, traffic,
buildings etc…) of the area. Taking note of all the
elements within landscape component. An accurate
method to start off the Landscape Quality Index by
judging the quality of these landscape components
within each area of the site.
3.1 Methodology
Figure 1: (Left) Group of areas selected within the site and (Right) Table of Observation Sheet consisting of components within an area 4

7. After the observations of the Landscape Components in the street within our site are recorded, the Landscape Components are
weighted from the scale of 1-5. This rating is used to decrease the subjectivity of the perception of the quality of the landscape.
Portraying the effectiveness of the impact and influence of the landscape component towards the environment.
1 = Lowest impact over the urban landscape
5 = Highest impact over the urban landscape
3.1.2 Observation sheet analysis
Landscape Component Weight of the Component
Items in the Landscape Component Score for each
Landscape Component
(Score 1-19)
Total Overall Score
of this Landscape
component
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Table 1: Showcasing the table of observation sheet analysis to elaborate the score and analysis
5

8. 19 = perfect Landscape Score
Is = score of each items included in the
landscape components
N = number of items in each component
Cw = weight assigned to the component
3.1.3 ULQI Calculation
After these weights are assigned, these gathered data are used to calculate the ULQI.
This is the formula to calculate the ULQI for each area of the site. Firstly, the Total Overall Score of all the Landscape
Components has to be done by calculating the score for Each Landscape Component. Then all of these scores up must be added
together in order to take the total score for all components. After finding out the total overall score for all components, the value
must be divided by 19. The value of ULQI must follow the rating of 1-5 like the Likert Scale used on the Observation Sheet
Analysis.
Total Overall Score
ULQI Formula
Figure 2: ULQI Formula
6

9. cs = score for each landscape component
Is = score of each items included in the
landscape component
N = number of items in each component
Cw = Weight assigned to the component
3.1.4 Landscape Component Score
Landscape Component Weight of the
Component
Items in the
Landscape
Component
Score for each
Landscape
Component
(Score 1-19)
Total Overall
Score of this
Landscape
component
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
This formula is used for calculating the total overall score for EACH of the 6 landscape components. This formula is similar to a
mean value calculation. Use the score of each item included in the Landscape Component and divide the scores by the numbers
of items the scores came from. Multiply this divided value with the Weight (Rating 1-5) of the Component. Perform this for each
of the 6 Landscape Components and total them up together to get the overall score for all components.
Figure 3: Landscape Component Score Formula & Landscape Component score table
7

10. Once the calculation of ULQI for each area of the site is completed, the values are ranged from the lowest (yellow) to the
highest (red) and coded in colour. This maps out quality of the environments in the site. Identifying the Landscape needs for
the communities by spotting issues and the landscapes’ impact towards the environments. Drawing conclusions to the
quality and health of the environment.
3.1.5 Mapping ULQI
Figure 4: Colour Coding of the Landscape Quality Index 8

11. 3.2 Example of Application
The city of Ploiesti of Pravoha (South-East Romania) is an industrial city, which has been growing for more than 500 years with a
population of 209,945. 41.29% of the area has been occupied by industrial buildings. Expanding rapidly to the point that it leads
to a lot of imbalances in the landscape quality and the overall quality of life due to lack of planning policies.
Ploiesti, Romania
Figure 5: Study position area of Ploiesti
9

12. To inspect and conclude the quality of the site’s environment, 36 neighbourhoods of Ploiesti are visually assessed through the
observation of 6 Landscape Components within each neighbourhood. City areas are not included as they affect the calculation of
the ULQI. The Landscape elements each component within each neighbourhood is recorded to judge the quality of the landscape.
3.2.1 Observation Sheet Analysis
Landscape Component Landscape elements included in the analysis
The building assembly (C1) Height, colour, aesthetics, architecture, age
Multi store residential buildings (C2) Height, balconies, AC devices, TV aerials, thermic isolation, window
types
Individual dwellings (C3) Height, age, architecture, gardens, fences, roofs
Urban infrastructures (C4) Roads, sidewalks, headboards, sewage, urban furniture, public waste
management, urban fauna, playgrounds
Green infrastructures (C5) Parks, squares, public gardens, trees
Other landscape elements (C6) Rivers, lakes, forests, pedestrian areas, individual buildings or groups
of buildings with different architecture, history or cultural meaning
Table 2: Showcasing the Landscape Components and Elements to support the analysis
10

13. Landscape
Component
Weight Weight Assignment Motivation
C1 5 Building density, structures and architectures have the major impact over the urban
landscape and has a major influence over the people’s perception whether they are
locals or visitors
C2 4 Residential buildings have a great share in the urban landscape composition
C3 4 Residential buildings have a great share in the urban landscape composition
C4 3 Public infrastructures influence the people perception over the overall quality of the
landscape but it is mostly perceived by the locals
C5 2 Public green areas represents adjacent surfaces for buildup areas and they have an
important impact over the local landscape but they don not occur all over a city
C6 1 The elements included in this component do not represent major landscape elements
and can’t influence the general quality at a wider range as they occur only in some areas.
3.2.2 Observation Sheet Analysis
Each landscape component recorded in each neighbourhood are assigned with weights in terms of values. The weights follow a
rating of 1-5 based on the influence it has towards the landscape environment. 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. The
weight assignment motivation shown below consist of analysis to support the weights concluded in each landscape component.
Table 3: Showcasing the weight assessment of these Landscape Components
11

14. The ULQI calculated for each neighbourhood is set up in a table
in order to map out the ULQI.
3.2.3 ULQI of 36 neighbourhoods
Figure 6: ULQI values for each neighbourhood
3.2.4 Mapping the ULQI
As the ULQI table of 36 neighbourhood shows the
minimum value of 1.40 (green) and the highest value of
2.63 (red), the values are mapped out using a Colour
Coding Range. 1.40 = Green 2.63 = Red
Figure 7: ULQI values for Ploiesti's neighbourhoods
12

15. 3.2.5 ULQI Conclusion
Using the ULQI map of Ploiesti, it determines the Quality of the Environment that the Landscape Items have contributed to
these results.
Figure 8: Issues or landscape items considered to have an influence over the urban landscape quality
13

16. 4.0 Sample of Application to Site
4.1 Data Collection for Macro Site
To calculate the Urban Landscape Quality Index on the selected site, grid lines of 100m x 100m is drawn over the 1.5km radius
from MOMA KL. Each segment in the grid are given an index, the index of each district is the average of all segments.
The landscape components are given a scale from 0-5, with 0-1 being poor landscape, 2-3 being average landscape, and 4-5 being
good landscape. The index are given based on three categories: view, tree condition and functionality. The views are assessed
through the pleasance of trees, whether it provides a comfortable ambiance for the users. Tree condition include the healthiness
of the trees and whether they are being taken care of. While the functionality are accessed according how the landscape serves a
functional space for people, for instance provide shading and improve walkability.
Figure 9: Every segment in the grid are given an index. Figure 10: The index are represented by colours,
Index
14

17. It can be seen that Bukit Seputeh has the highest
landscape quality with an index of 3.69 while Bukit
Bintang has the lowest landscape quality with index of
1.18. It is because Bukit Bintang is a highly developed
area located in the Golden Triangle where the land use
are mostly for commercial activities, therefore
landscape design is neglected. While Bukit Seputeh is
still under developed with most of the land covered
with trees and the land use are mainly for residential
purpose.
It can be seen that high index are around government
related areas where the landscape are emphasised and
well designed, while low index count are at areas near
main road where there are not much trees around the
border. Areas that are covered with trees but the
landscape doesn’t contribute much functionality to the
people are given an average index count.
Figure 11: The average index in each district.
3.69
3.04
2.88
1.18
3.08
2.76
3.64
4.1.1 Macro Data Analysis
15

18. 4.2 Data Collection for Micro Site
Urban landscape quality index is also given for the micro site. It is divided into 5x4 of 5m x 5m width grid lines. The methodology is
similar with the macro site, where the index is given for each segments then the quality index of the micro site would be the
average of all indexes.
Figure 12: Index is given for every divided segment.
4 3
2
22
35
2
5 5 3
5
4
3
5
4
5 3
3 2
Figure 13: Index are represented by colours.
16

19. 4.2.1 Micro Data Analysis
The urban landscape quality index of the micro site is above average, scoring 3.5 in overall. It is obvious that landscape around
MRCB is more well designed, as it provides shading and improve walkability. However, landscape at south east are poorly
maintained, as there is lack of greeneries and pedestrian walkways.
Figure 14: Micro site map.
Figure 15: Street landscape that
provides shading and pedestrian friendly. Figure 17 : Poor landscape where there is no
trees and very poor walkability on the street.
Figure 16 Landscape that gives
pleasant view to the street.
17

20. 5.0 Existing Contexts or Issues
5.1.1 Tree & landscape condition in Brickfields
Brickfields as a district based on the factors of index value which
consists of the landscape healthiness, functionality and view has
the range between average which is 2.88 points.
For relatively developing district it has a good balance of
landscape to building ratio. Mostly of the trees appear to be
healthy but some are disorganized and overgrown, which requires
frequent maintenance.
POOR 0-1 Poor condition AVERAGE 2-3 Mid healthy GOOD 4-5 Healthiest
5.1 Macro Site
Figure 18: The average index in each district.
2.88 pts
18

21. 5.1.2 Development intensity and building materials
Brickfields development is mainly aimed towards commercial buildings hence the blooming of skyscrapers in the city. These
number of commercial buildings have increased over the years causing a dense population in Brickfields.
The type of building material used contributes to the urban landscape quality index. In Brickfields most of the buildings
materials are reflecting glass facades and steel constructions which would reflect the sun rays and increase the urban
temperature.
The landscaping around Brickfields are not balanced or in par with the development which is why Brickfields has fewer
naturally shaded area than other districts.
Figure 19: Little india with the city
backdrop
Figure 20: The glass panel facade used on
buildings
Figure 21: Shading for the sidewalk
19

22. 5.1.3 Overall cleanliness of landscape and accessibility
Although the landscape quality index of Brickfields is average, there is still room for improvement. There are some areas in
which the vegetation on landscape has overgrown and prevents accessibility to other areas. Due to the overgrown jungle
look, it gives a bad first impression to people who are using the walkway.
Organised LandscapesOvergrown Landscapes
20

23. 5.2.1 Tree & landscape condition in Brickfields
The condition of the tree in the site are considered average. The views
are pleasing. The health condition of trees are considered average.
The undevelopment area are covered with trees however doesn’t
contribute much of functionality to the people. Trees commonly used
in residential plantation. Tree-shade alters building cooling loads by
preventing incident solar radiation on building facades.
POOR 0-1 Poor conditionGOOD 4-5 Healthiest
5.2 Micro Site
Figure 22: Index are represented by colours
21

24. Few high-rise modern living complexes being constructed. Tall building was a relatively new phenomenon of the architecture
and urbanism as a solution to create more space in the centres of cities with high demand for offices. Many of these projects
are owned by the government or being developed by government linked companies.
Most of the high rise building using reflective materials that have a high window-to-wall ratio. The reflective material can
reflect the heat by the sun which can increase the temperature surroundings.
Figure 23: View beside the site
Figure 25: High rise building covered with
glass panel
Figure 26: The commercial building
covered with glass panels as well
Figure 24: Another view beside the site.
5.2.2 Development surrounding the site
5.2.3 Building materials in surroundings
22

25. Rubbish were hardly seen accumulated or being exposed at the site. The rubbish are collected and dustbins are provided in
certain areas. Efforts were made to clean up in the development area. The trees doesn't overgrow and block the accessibility
of the area. The trees creates edges for the path and people can walk into the site easily.
Figure 27: The road entrance to Sentral Suites Show Gallery Figure 28: The dustbin placed at the roadside
5.2.4 Macro site cleanliness and accessibility
23

26. 6.0 Conclusion
The usage of Urban Landscape Quality Index are beneficial to improve the quality of life of people. Although this method is
more of a subjective approach but it also allows a further understanding of an individual’s actual perception of the landscapes.
A visual perception approach is achieved with the ULQI values to conduct the study and analysis. With this, different way and
method of applications can be done.
With the understandings of the ULQI’s purposes and concepts, a sample of application towards Brickfields was done. A rating
index was formulated according to certain factors which are views, tree conditions and functionality of the landscape. The
calculation and observations from the ULQI values have aided in understanding of Brickfields’ landscape quality. The growth of
developments has also affected the landscape quality of Brickfields. However, some government areas has more emphasis on
its surrounding landscape.
The ULQI values are useful datas and informations which aids the analysis of the urban landscape qualities. Thereby, actions
or preventions methods can be taken into consideration by the planners and local authorities to provide a better environment
for the quality of life of the people.
24

27. 1. Field Studies Council: Bringing Environmental Understanding to All. (n.d.). Fieldwork - FSC Geography. Retrieved May 1, 2018, from
https://www.geography-fieldwork.org/gcse/urban/cbd/fieldwork/
2. Field Studies Council: Bringing Environmental Understanding to All. (n.d.). Fieldwork - FSC Geography. Retrieved May 8, 2018 from
https://www.geography-fieldwork.org/gcse/urban/inner-cities/fieldwork/
3. Science Direct. (2016). Urban Landscape Quality Index – Planning Tool for Evaluating Urban Landscapes and Improving the Quality of Life.
Retrieved April 25 2018 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878029616001468
4. (n.d.).The quality of the urban landscape: how to measure it and how to identify the elements that devalue it. Retrieved May 7 2018 from
https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/downloadFile/281870113702368/The%20quality%20of%20the%20urban%20landscape%20(Arial).pdf
5. Urban Landscaping. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2018, from https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/UrbanLandscaping
7.0 References
25