Components of Urban Design Towards a Sustainable Mediterranean City 590 Proceedings of the International Conference on Changing Cities VI: Spatial, Design, Landscape, Heritage & Socio-economic Dimensions Rhodes Island, Greece ● June 24-28, 2024 ISSN: 2654-0460 ISBN: 978-618-5765-02-6 Creating Livable and Inclusive Urban Voids through Sensory Mapping: Addressing new Public Realm in Cities R. Perakaki 1 , Dr. M. Sinou 2 1 School Of Applied Arts and Culture, Department of Interior Architecture, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece PRP LLP, 10 Lindsey Street, Smithfield, London, EC1A 9HP 2 School Of Applied Arts and Culture, Department of Interior Architecture, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece *Corresponding author: E-mail: rperakaki@uniwa.com, Tel +44 7469714318 Abstract This paper explores the utilisation of sensory mapping techniques to enhance livable and inclusive urban environments, with a focus on revitalising neglected void spaces. It emphasises the importance of community engagement and renewal in these areas and highlights sensory mapping as a method to capture diverse experiences and insights. Drawing from interdisciplinary case studies, it illustrates how sensory experiences influence perceptions of urban spaces and contribute to a sense of belonging. The paper stresses the significance of inclusive design in shaping public spaces that accommodate individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, advocating for accessibility and consideration of marginalised groups. By synthesising theoretical insights with practical examples, it offers recommendations to promote collaboration, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity in sensory mapping projects, aiming to transform void spaces into vibrant, people-centred places. Keywords: placemaking; sensory mapping; urban public spaces; urban void; inclusive design; resilience 1. INTRODUCTION The urban fabric of modern cities is undergoing rapid transformation. A new perspective on urban architecture is required to meet the demands of contemporary communities. In the context of the built environment, urban voids represent a critical resource that must be effectively utilised. In academic discourse, numerous disciplines explore the representation and experience of the built environment, providing varied perspectives on its design. Research on placemaking and the experiential decoding of urban environments examines how users' spatial self-awareness and participation influence the meaning and function of spaces.[1] Charles Lardy (2006) [2] argues that urban environments overwhelm the senses, confining our sensory experiences to immediate surroundings and limiting our broader worldview. Therefore, spatial perception is crucial. Urban life encompasses various spatial and temporal activities that foster human interaction, with our understanding of place evolving through both material and intangible stimuli from these interactions. Truax (2001) [3] describes place perception as a form of tacit knowledge, highlighting the structural relationship between sensory environments and activities within them. The senses are essential for navigating urban landscapes, enabling experiences of public spaces and the built environment through visual, olfactory, auditory, tactile, and cognitive perceptions. This underscores the importance of research into the multidimensional mapping of urban landscapes, where users' senses mediate their understanding of spatial concepts, usage patterns, and design flaws. The sense of place represents an individual's emotional bond with their surroundings, shaped by their perception of specific environments [4]. "Place" carries deeper significance and imparts a sense of identity, unlike "space," which is a mere spatial dimension. Urban areas become meaningful places through repeated visitation and user attachment, transforming them into venues for positive